Eating Recovery Center (ERC) is a national treatment center with a number of locations across the country. This page is for their Chicago, Illinois location.
ERC provides all levels of care across their many locations, from inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP, transitional living, and virtual treatment. They are unique for offering every level of care, and are known for their intense specialty track called BETR that treats Binge Eating Disorder separately from the main ED track.
Some ERC locations also have a separate PHP and residential treatment program specifically for mood, anxiety, and trauma through their partner treatment center, Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center.
Any updated reviews?? Please post them in comments below. Eating Recovery Center (ERC) and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center (formerly Insight Behavioral Health) are partnered at this Chicago program, so they specialize in both eating disorders and mood disorders, including a specialty program for Binge Eating Disorder (BETR). They have subtracks for trauma and substance abuse.
ERC/Pathlight offers Residential, PHP, IOP and Supportive Apartments.
You can check out the FAQ and Guidelines for suggested questions for reviewing. Thank you!
Note:
ERC also has residential treatment programs in Colorado, Maryland, Texas and Washington. Here are the separate review pages:
When were you there? May 2025-August 2025
What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)? Residential and PHP
Is it wheelchair accessible? Yes, res as well as PHP/IOP are on their own respective floors. There is an elevator in the building to access the floors.
How many patients are there on average? I would estimate about 20-25.
What genders does it treat? All genders.
Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people? Yes, I use they/them pronouns and they were respectful of that.How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, nurse, etc? Medical doctor: upon intake and as-needed; Psychiatrist: once a week; Therapist: 3 times a week; Nutritionist/Dietician: twice a week; Nurse: daily for vitals and meds, other than that they are available as-needed.
What is the staff-to-patient ratio? It depended on the time of day as well as staff availability. It’s typically very low on holidays and overnight. Overnight there is 1 Behavioral Health Tech (BHT) and one nurse. It’s higher during the day, but I’m not sure of the exact ratio.
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, ACT, exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, etc.)? There are a lot of groups where you can learn about various therapeutic modalities (i.e. DBT, CBT, and ACT). EMDR and somatic experiencing are not offered. There are exposures, however, you don’t do them until you reach the PHP level of care. In my opinion, the exposures were not conducted well. It seemed very random and not all consistant. I was mostly assigned to work on aftercare planning during this time. Their version of exposures were not helpful for me.
Describe the average day:
What were meals like? There is a 3 week rotation of available meals. There is very little in terms of variety. Each week you complete menu planning group where you circle which aspects of the meal options you would want, following your provided meal plan. You are not allowed to go over or under your meal plan, it must be followed exactly both on and off the unit. I found this system to be difficult since I felt that I was replacing the rigidity of my ED with a “better” rigidity.
Do they treat ARFID? If so, do they have a separate approach to meals for ARFID? They do treat ARFID. I will say that all groups are only relevant to those who struggle with body image, so if you do not struggle with this I would not recommend you attend this program.
There is a set meal plan designed specifically for the needs of the individual with ARFID.
Are you able to eat vegetarian? Vegan? You are allowed to eat vegetarian. I’m not sure about vegan though.
How do you earn privileges? Meal and supplement completion.
What sort of groups do they have? Almost every group is a lecture-based group where you learn more information about a specific therapeutic treatment modality. There is no application of this information to address EDs or mental health struggles.
If you have had previous mental health treatment and/or are familiar with various therapeutic treatment modalities, I would not recommend you attend this program.
What was your favorite group? It really depended on which MC was leading the group. All of the groups had the potential to be helpful, however, most of the MCs were not qualified and did not understand aspects of the group topics.
There were MANY groups in which MCs were using ChatGPT to create handouts and to give them information on the topic of the group (ex: how to practice specific DBT skills). I became aware of this because MCs would openly talk to patients about using ChatGPT to help them run the groups.
Is the program trauma-informed? They claim that they are. However, other than being a no-touch facility, there aren’t any other actions they take to be trauma-informed.
What did you like the most? Some of the Milieu Coordinators (MC) were excellent at running groups (without ChatGPT) and checking-in on patients who were struggling that day.
What did you like the least? The passivity from staff and management. I talked to my team very frequently about the difficulties I was having with other patients treating me poorly. My psychiatrist at the time acknowledged that they’ve had a long-time issue with “mean girls” and that I wasn’t the only one being targeted. My team told me that they emailed the team members of the ones targeting me, however, these behaviors did not change. I was also promised that management would discuss these issues during the weekly Community group, but it was never brought up. I ended up having to disclose these issues myself and take the risk of this situation becoming worse because staff and management refused to help.
Would you recommend this program? It depends. I have atypical anorexia and was treated differently than those with typically presenting anorexia. Many patients and staff members made incorrect assumptions about what eating disorder I had and disclosed this to me. This only fueled my ED thoughts. In addition, I was given an extremely small meal plan. My team claimed it was a “weight maintenance plan,” but my outpatient dietician told me that it was a weight loss plan. I ended up feeling extremely hungry towards the end of the day and was refused a larger meal plan. The psychiatrist on my team told me to not go over my meal plan because it was “the max amount” my body needed to function. My dietician added that she “could increase my meal size, but would have to decrease my snack sizes” in order to compensate.
I repeatedly asked if this program followed Health At Every Size (HAES) and was told yes every time. This was not true. If you have atypical anorexia I would absolutely not recommend this program. The things I was told in the program only fueled my ED thoughts and behaviors, leading me to relapse immediately after discharge.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed? Once you get to Phase 2, you can go on a daily 15 minute walk with other patients and a BHT. Other than that, none.
What did people do on weekends? There are still groups on the weekend (I believe 3 or 4 on both Saturdays and Sundays), so that will take up most of the day. There are 3 hours on Saturday and Sunday set aside for visitors to come to the unit. However, if you do not have visitors, you have access to electronics during visiting time until 9:45pm. Most people were on their phones during the weekend.
Do you get to know your weight? In res you do daily blind weights. In PHP you see your weight when you are weighed 4 times a week. There is no conversation or support with this process.
How fast is the weight gain process? Unsure.
What was the average length of stay? 6-12 weeks for res and then an additional 6-12 weeks for PHP.
What was the average age range? 18-25 years.
For PHP/IOP: What support do they provide outside of programming hours? None. While I was in PHP, there were times in which I needed support towards the end of programming hours, however, staff would not respond to my needs and ignored me due to needing to get ready to leave for the day. There were also times in which I needed support for my difficulties with Borderline Personality Disorder outside of programming hours. Since there was no access to support, I would end up engaging in target behaviors, which were consistently ignored by my treatment team.
I would not recommend attending this program if you have struggles with any other disorder outside of an eating disorder.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team? They don’t offer any aftercare or help set up an outpatient team.
I am glad that someone else had said that you would get in trouble for going over your meal plan. For example I would go to a restaurant and I would come back from a pass and asked why did I complete a whole xxxxx because it was over my meal plan. Or getting in trouble for having the same thing as my dad on a pass with my dad. But they would give me no guidance until I came back, and that caused feelings of shame, Or in php I would have a similar but not an equal exchange for exchange for breakfast and be presented a whole meal’s worth of boost. Also as someone with atypical anorexia, I felt very hungry all the time and when I transferred to another program for php my MINIMUM meal plan not to get stepped up to hloc was larger than what ERC had me at.
I couldn’t find in your review about phones, electronic, etc
Agree 100000% with everything you said, erc basically doesn’t allow any food freedom and actually makes ed worse I feel. The not letting you go up on your meal plan or go over is insane. Their meal plans for nornal weight people are TINY like for lunch one tiny sandwich with no sides or anything. I was always hungry there which led to other unhealthy stuff when I went to php. Avoid all erc programs if you aren’t underweight they will treat you differently and not in a good way.
Any recent reviews of adult res at Chicago? Looking to admit next week. What sorts of groups do they have, whats the daily schedule and meal and snack times? What is the food like, id love some examples of snack options or whats on the menu!!
when i was there a year ago the food was excellent. the chef, g**** used to work at food network and he was the best. not sure hes still there though
I don’t know if you’ve admitted or not, but let me know if you haven’t! I’m here right now and would be happy to answer questions.
I’m looking into going wanted to know what the program was like, if vaping is allowed, what are these passes, we get to go out on our own? Do we get our phones ?
*admin note: personal phone number removed per site policy
honestly I’ve not been here long but compared to what I’ve heard it’s stellar. don’t be scared by all these negative reviews. I think a lot of them are from old stays when it was different. some groups are pretty meaningful. my individual therapist is fantastic
passes, you get to go on your own, yeah, but you choose the place and what you’ll get with your dietician before you go. you can’t go on pass until phase 2, which means you need to be there at least a week and your treatment team has to sign off on phasing up. you also need the individual passes approved by your team. there are also non-traditional therapy sessions, where you go on an outing alone with your therapist. again, only phase 2 and 3.
we all get access to our personal electronics from after dinner at 6:15pm (or 6:30 if you didn’t complete and need to supplement) until 9:45pm, when they’re due back. phase 2 gets electronics at 5 and keeps them to 9:45. phase 3 gets them at 5 and keeps them until 8am the following morning. on the weekends, we all get them at 3:15 (or 3:30 if you need supplement after snack). same turn in times as weekdays. if you need to call someone briefly to set something up, you can have your treatment team write a phone pass.
Thank you for sharing all of this Jinx! I’d actually been hearing that ERC Chicago has gotten a lot better the last couple years, and I met some current BHCs (Behavioral Health Counselors) and Program Therapists (Pro-Ts, the ones who run groups) recently and was impressed by how much they loved their jobs and how passionate they are.
Caroline, I can answer your vaping question! Yup, vaping is allowed. You can vape outside during fresh air breaks, which happen a few times a day. The BHCs will keep all of your vape stuff behind their desk and before each break you can grab what you need from them to take outside with you, and then when you return you hand it all back to them, sort of like checking it in and out. But be prepared to not be able to vape your first couple days, once you admit you have to be seen and cleared by your new therapist or psychiatrist to go outside on the fresh air breaks.
Can I potentially email you or something Jinx? Looking at potential centers in Illinois.
I was just in Residential at the Huron location, and I just wanted to say that it’s one of the best res programs I’ve been to! I think your experience depends a lot on the attitude of the patients around you (and I was lucky that I had a very positive supportive milieu/community), but besides that the staff is wonderful and caring and comprehensive in their treatment and groups. They have a phase system that gives you more freedom and lets you go out on passes to restaurants in the city which I thought was really cool. They’re also extremely LGBTQIA+ friendly! I know there’s a lot of negative reviews on this page but I just wanted to be one example that said I actually gained a lot from their program and thought it was well done. I’m now in their PHP and like that as well. I’m open if anyone has any questions!
hi i was just wondering if you are still able to go on passes even if you dont have family or friends in the area to take you.
Yes, I had no family or friends in the area and I was able to still go on passes. Passes are not until peer support/level 2.
Is it mandatory to go on passes? What if you can’t afford to eat out, get takeout, or use Uber? Still got bills at home and treatment isn’t free.
Yes they encourage people to challenge themselves and go on passes once they reach that stage in treatment. There’s several walkable places to go on your own that aren’t far from the programming building or from the apartments for PHP
Ok, thanks. i won’t consider this type of program then. I can’t afford to eat out. I don’t have PHP or IOP local to me, but wouldn’t do it far away because accommodations are too expensive. Not giving up the roof over my head to pay for a flight to treatment, challenge passes and a bed in a PHP apartment. I’d still be unable to pay the deductible and copays and then end up in worse debt with no home to return to. Sounds like a terrible option. Treatment just isn’t accessible for low income people.
When I was at The Emily Program, they waived the housing fee for me for PHP because I couldn’t afford it. They’re making way more money from our insurance than lodging, so I know TEP and other places will accommodate.
Yes! Don’t feel bad about asking for lodging/accommodations fees waived – it’s your right to take advantage of the few benefits a profit-motivated treatment industry provides us, the consumers! They are getting your insurance money every day, they can waive lodging fees for PHPs. I’ve traveled to a lot of treatment centers and only once had to pay a lodging/housing fee. From what I’ve seen in my advocacy work, the main reason people have to pay lodging fees when coming from out of town or when lower income is that they don’t know that they can ask for the fees to be waived. If you are coming from out of town at ERC Baltimore for PHP, they’ll literally book a hotel suite for you across the street for six weeks upfront. All of the ERCs can waive lodging fees (as can Emily Program locations and Alsana locations, off the top of my head), and sometimes even waive copays if you have financial need.
They offer financial assistance such as waiving the fees for housing and reimbursing plane ticket or Uber costs. You could also check out ProjectHeal for support with covering treatment too. I’ve thought of going through them for help this time around since I’m no longer on the work insurance that covered my last stay at ERC. Also, depending on your state there may be virtual programming you can do that is in the evenings so you wouldn’t have to take off work or things. They really try to help as best they can but ultimately they are a business foremost so it makes sense to have some fees.
Hi, I’m supposed to be going there soon, is there any chance you know how bulimia was treated there? Also, I’m assuming you’ve completed the PHP now, so do you still feel like that helped you? Did you stay in the apartments during the PHP, and if so, how were those?
Hi! I just recently stepped down from PHP to IOP, but spent around a month and a half in both residential and PHP at ERC Chicago. Your treatment plan is individualized and is developed by your specific treatment team (dietician, individual therapist, and psychiatrist) after your intake assessments and initial meetings with them; So they would tailor your treatment to you based on your specific needs/struggles and the target behaviors identified either by you or them. After meals though all of the bathrooms are locked for an hour and after snacks they are locked for a half an hour. When the bathrooms are open staff check before you flush (it sounds horrible I know haha but everyone has to do it and you definitely just get used to it, plus as you make progress and get closer to stepping down a level of care you can earn the privilege of being off of flush checks.) If someone does need to use the bathroom while they are still locked a staff member will unlock it for the person, but will just most likely just have the person count out loud while they go to the bathroom. I found both residential and PHP to be incredibly helpful. The staff were all very supportive (there were definitely some that were liked more universally than others and some that..weren’t. but no one was ever mean or rude or overbearing, and if you felt like they were it was probably just the ED getting pissed that you are challenging yourself and going against it to get better). I definitely, like most people, got irritable and bitchy over little things from time to time, or thought the rules were stupid, or a staff member was annoying or dumb but looking back they were just trying their best to help, it was only during times my ED was being challenged or I was being encouraged to do something a certain way or to complete more that I would get activated. PHP is a great opportunity to increase your autonomy and test yourself to see where you are at in recovery and what you still are struggling with. It is the perfect transition from such a structured environment because you still have a lot of structure and support but you also have the opportunity to have at least one meal and snack a day on your own. On the weekdays you will have breakfast at home prior to program then you come in for program and have snack, lunch, pm snack, and dinner then go home and have evening snack on your own. You also still get to go on passes during PHP, and once you reach phase 2 (usually within a couple days) you get to go on the group outings on Fridays. So on Fridays everyone who is eligible for the outing will get to go out to a restaurant together for lunch. Usually both a therapist and a dietician will go, unless the group is very small, then just a dietician will go. The staff picks the restaurant but you get to choose what you order, it just has to meet your meal plan, and it is payed for by ERC. As you get closer to stepping down from PHP you are eligible for full day passes which are again a great opportunity to see where you are at. I did stay in the apartments because I am from out of state. They are ridiculously nice lol. They’re in a new building on the river right by navy pier, the apartments are large, spacious, and super high quality. You typically will have 1-3 other people living there with you and there is multiple bathrooms/showers. There is an in unit washer/drier, full kitchen with all appliances, dishes, and cutlery supplied. They are not a far walk from ERC at all. I was there in the middle of winter so it was freezing cold and snowing, but still bearable to walk to and from program. The actual apartment complex has tons of amenities there’s a gorgeous rooftop with grills, couches, tables, etc. there’s lots of spaces downstairs to hangout with peers, theres multiple rooms with tons of couches, fireplaces, tables, chairs, tvs, pool table, dart board, etc. There is also a huge theater room which is great for movies with peers after program. So even though you have long hard days you get to come back to a gorgeous, cozy apartment. It is great to be able to get support from peers who live there as well whether it be for grocery shopping, meal time, venting, laughing, or just decompressing at the end of the day.
hi, I was just accepted and think im admitting here in the next month. would you be able to do a full review. I am so scared because it has so many bad reviews 🙁
I think lots of treatment centers have bad reviews because treatment is such a hard choice/commitment to make. It is easier to listen to the ED voice and to quit and just say the treatment center was ‘bad’ or the staff were ‘shitty’ or that they ‘made you gain a ton of weight’ when that is not at all the case. There certainly can be bad staff or programs but this is not one of them. From my experience and from all of the people I met throughout treatment, treatment is about what you make of it. If you are willing to put in work and actually want to get better it is 100% possible here, it might not be easy, but it is possible. Treatment can and most likely will be full of challenges but the staff here want nothing more than to support you in your recovery journey; Whether you stay 3 weeks or 3 months they are always there to offer support and encouragement. I definitely hated it at times, I wanted to quit, I said the place was insane, prison like, ridiculous, useless, dumb etc etc but looking back I couldn’t have been more wrong and I am so grateful I stuck with it and completed my care at ERC. Again it won’t be easy, it will suck and you will hate it at times, but that is the disorder fighting back and trying to convince you not to recover. Recovering from an ED sucks but living with an ED sucks even more and being in recovery is so worth it. Everyone has hard days, days with low motivation or high treatment fatigue but as long as you keep on going and remind yourself why you want to recover and all of the amazing things that will be made possible through recovery you are making progress, even if it doesn’t feel like it. The most important thing throughout this process is being open and honest with yourself, and your team, it is crucial while in early recovery and for maintaining a lasting recovery. There isn’t any ED treatment center thats going to have all glowing reviews for many reasons. But I think a lot of places receive negative review from indidvuals who are still in denial, don’t actually want to recover, or find it easier to blame it on the place so they have an excuse to give up. (and thats nothing bad against those people, I think a lot of us spend a lot of time in that phase whether its prior to treatment or during, but it definitely skews your perspective and leads to bias) Im not saying this place is perfect but I can promise though that the staff here is amazing, committed to supporting and encouraging patients, and willing to meet you where you are at as long as you actually want to recover, which I know can be so hard and such an internal battle between you and the ED. A majority of the individuals I was in treatment with have done prior treatment, both at other facilities and at ERC and the ones who had been to numerous other places said they felt this is the only place that has actually made a difference. The individuals who had already been at ERC before said coming back was a no brainer because of the impact it had last time and how supportive and through the process was the previous time. Relapse is common and not a sign that the place you went to ‘failed’ or ‘isn’t good’ it can just be a part of your journey, but I think returning to the same place you had been to before speaks volumes. This was my first and only time in treatment so I personally can’t speak to any other centers or offer any comparison, but if you have any questions or want to paste a list of questions in the replies I would be more than willing to answer any/all questions you may have with full honesty. I completely empathize with you on feeling scared, the reviews terrified me quite frankly, but I found every other place I looked at and considered had bad reviews as well so I decided to just go here despite negative reviews and I couldn’t not feel better about making that decision than I do right now post-treatment. I am so glad I decided to go here and know it was the right choice for me.
thanks so much this was so helpful. I ended up deciding to do ERC and im admitting in 2 weeks. How long did it take you to progress through res, step down to PHP and complete PHP? I saw up top you were there for a month and a half but wasnt sure if that was just for res or PHP too.
I love this, it is so great to hear – although I’m not surprised, I was at Pathlight Chicago res last summer (the mental health res associated with ERC), and most of the best staff there usually mostly worked at ERC res or PHP and were just filling in at Pathlight. I asked most of them whether they liked their jobs there and if they thought it was a good program, since reviews here are so mixed but I’d heard it had made a lot of improvements recently so I was curious for the perspective of the people who presently worked there. They all loved their jobs, like LOVED them, and really believed in the program. It was funny cus I could usually tell which staff were from ERC because of how passionate they were about helping people, how little BS they took, and how hard they worked to support everyone. Thank you so much for sharing your experience (AND for pointing out how much we need to take reviews with a grain of salt – tbh any treatment center that exclusively gets good reviews, I can almost guarantee they wrote or commissioned all of them). ?
I seriously have never been so mistreated by a treatment center and i’ve been to enough centers to know what the standard should be. this place is so harmful. they are unorganized, under staffed, not caring, and they just want as many patients as possible. they do not care about the patients in anyway. i was told i had to stay in chicago for php rather than go to my local erc so if i relapsed during php they could send me up to res easily. when i relapsed they kicked me out and left me with my resources and no treatment lined up. they even said i could go to the homeless shelter if i couldn’t get a ride home. i have been traumatized by erc chicago and the unqualified psychiatrists and extremely rude bhcs. my therapist and dietician were great, but that’s all i can say. please consider another center. laureate or any other erc would be better im sure of it. i was on the itu in denver and i wouldn’t even say i was as mistreated there
I was there in October 2022 and it was the same way then too. Awful :/
Hi, I’ve been debating writing this for a really long time because I don’t think I can articulate the horrors of the experience. I spent five months here at the end of 2020. I don’t know anyone in my milleu that did not aquire severe trauma in some way or another from this treatment center. About 75% percent of my milieu has relapsed and required more treatment in the past two years. You deserve better than this place. It is overcrowded, understaffed, punishment based, and overall needs a lot of systematic change. There are places that will care about you and want you to get better and this is not it.
I agree with you 100% my team made my stay worse.
Hi,
I just wanted to leave my review in case it helps someone.
I was at ERC res and PHP from July-mid-September 2022.
Before I write this, I first want to note that my review might be unique becuase I am blind and so I’m not able to see some aspects of group dynamics and things that most other people would be able to observe by “looking” around at the milieu (for instance the bins being rummaged through and things, I wouldn’t know that because I can’t see the bins and they were very wonderful at keeping my milieu bin where I left it and in the order I left it (though inevitably I would remember the general area I left it, other patients or staff would help me locate it in the end)).
Overall:
This was a great program and I learned a whole lot through individual therapy, groups, peer-interactions and being with people who understood me. I felt respected, treated as anyone else would be even though I had a disability and I was not treated like a child because of my disability but as an adult as anyone else would be. There were things I did not really like, which I do outline below but in my mind nowhere is going to be perfect and you can’t expect any one place to tick every little box you might have.
Accommodations for my blindness:
I had several email and phone conversations with various staff from directors of programming at the ERC Huron location, to admissions about necessary accommodations for my disability and we established some acccommodations beforehand that I agreed to and were more than reasonable. A couple examples of these: I was allowed to have my service dog at all times and had to be the one who took care of her during fresh air breaks and any other free time, I was allowed to have my laptop and could ask a bhc for it when I needed it for groups without having to have a pass, all hand-outs were electronically sent to me and I would use the laptop to answer the questions in ms word (I also used the laptop in the mornings to complete my daily check-in (until the system broke, then a BHC just took me aside each day for a check-in mainly on safety, urges Etc. (basically an abbreviated version of the usual check-in sheet))). There was a document I had to sign stating where I would have my service dog go if I could not take care of her or if she got sick/injured Etc. and I agreed that if I was unable to take her out I’d use a walking service such as Rover or Wag. These documents were signed so I could not contest them (which in my case was good because in my first few days I was struggling to complete and feeling it very unfair that I couldn’t take care of her needing to be walked and I got really upset about it. A BHC took me aside after dinner one of my first days and talked to me about it which helped me calm down in the moment. And so I had to trust a stranger with my dog the times I was not able to complete so therefore could not go on fresh air (plus pay the costly fee per walk (around $20 for 30 min (their shortest walk available from my understanding of the app)). In my first few days, there was confusion about these guidelines and letting her out/allowing me the phone access to schedule the walks (I used the service a few times when I was struggling and they were great with her) and once everyone was on the same page (BHC’s, leadership and myself), my anxiety about it all calmed down and I think inevitably, having the restriction of not being allowed to take her out really motivated me in the right direction because I knew my money was not endless so I either had to deplete my bank with paying for her walks or get my act together and comply with the challenges set before me. Everyone was great with her and patients respected her and did not pet her or bother us when we were working. She did distract some in groups though, she’d sleep under my chair and she would stare at them which they found amusing and they would have staring contests. lol So I’m glad her presence helped others. Also, my roommates did not mind her being around (I was in a tripple) though for a portion of my stay, there were only two of us and then for a day or two just me. While I was there, I established an accommodation for myself with the hygiene bins that my bin always be the first bin in the line of bins so I could easily access it and not disturb or touch anyone else’s hygiene products accidentially. Also in the restroom’s, they were great about verbally guiding me to where I needed to go until I figured out my bearings all the way (which didn’t take long) and they kept things in the same place which was super helpful (such as the bin for laundry (towesl, sheets Etc.). There was braille signage around the whole floor(I checked), other than a couple utility closets and one group room, all signs were labeled and that helped me a lot. The layout was a u-shape (technically not because there was an additional door connecting the two for staff but we couldn’t access it as patients) and when I was there, the whole unit was open though from my understanding, it is only half-open right now with there being a smaller census (though as someone mentioned, this could be a cost-saving measure). Hope that all makes sense and sorry this section was so long I just wanted to be sure people could have an understanding of my experience as a person with a disability that required additional adjustments.
Groups:
I enjoyed most of the groups I was awake for. At first my body was in a constant state of exhaustion so until I got my energy back up, I was sleeping a lot but once I was sleeping better at night and then actually awake during the day, I found the groups helpful (though not the one’s where the program therapists would go on and on, those were boring and just seemed like information dumping which does no good for anyone). They have ACT, RO-DBT, DBT, ERP and innings (peer-support and bestro), shame and connection, role-play (new about three-quarters of my time there they changed the schedules), art, nutrition skills, narrative, mindfulness, process (bipoc, queer and ed) and I’m probably missing something but those are the main ones. There was one process group when the manager of program therapists would not let me talk about stepping down from res to php because it was discussing other treatment and she suggested I talk to my team about it. I was not looking for anything monumentous, just scared to move from such a structured environment to one with less-structure and more autonomy and I was looking for advice/suggestions from people who have had those experiences so that kind of hurt (the woman always gave me a “I’m better-than-you” vibe and not many of us looked forward to her leading groups).
Leadership:
There is an additional group called community that meet at 2:00pm on Thursday’s (this was the whole milieu minus bhc’s and the administrative/other support staff). All the managers were there like the supervisor or the manager of BHC’s, clinical manager, nutrition manager, the directors Etc. It felt like they used the phrase “trauma-informed” way too much when discussing what was and was not allowed and any suggestions or feedback put in the community box was met with “you can talk with any of us privately afterward.” It felt like they just used the space to give any announcements and then shutdown any discussion of suggestions or anything else stating it was due to patient privacy and that individual situations could be discussed with them. If a patient poses a concern in the community box then obviously they want the community to know about it so if they are williing to talk about it openly, then the group should be able to discuss the situation openly and it should not be shut down because leadership wants to avoid bringing up things they know they need to address. You can’t sweep things under the rug forever, eventually the rug starts to come up on the edges because there is too much under it, or has leadership not figured that out? I understand there are things that should be brought up privately, we all get that but if something is impacting the whole milieu and multiple people are aware of it and asking to discuss it, don’t shut it down.
Therapists and dieticians:
There are two types of therapists: program therapists and individual therapists. Program therapists lead most groups while individual therapists do one-on-one or lead groups such as process. They were all very nice and did there best to make groups engaging and interactive. I still miss my individual therapist; she was super supportive, gave great insight and was just a wonderful human. My dietician was great too.
Schedule:
6:30-8:00: Hygiene/vitals/meds and check-in sheets and at 6:45-7:00, fresh air (for all fresh air breaks, if it was raining or lightning, we could not go outside).
8:00-8:15: When most people filled out their check-in sheets. There were laptops that were passed around the unit to complete them in our individual online portal. Though, as I mentioned, I did mine on my own laptop. If we did not complete them by the end of first group, the bhc’s or program therapists would come around and ask us about completing them and encourage us to get a laptop or in my case, ask me if I wanted them to get my laptop.
8:15-8:45: Breakfast. Usually consisting of combinations of the following: Cereals (oatmeal, cream of wheat, rice crispies or chereos), hard-boiled eggs, toast (wheat or white), yogurt with granola, banana (with nutella or peanutbutter), apples (with nutella or peanutbutter), nuts (for hot or cold cereals or you could eat them plain), juices (apple, orange or cranberry), tea or coffee (never both), any additional sides that did not count as part of an exchange such as salt, pepper or cinnamon and others that did count as a part of the exchange such as butter or jelly. If something was not circled on your menu or you or your dietician did not write it in, you did not get it; applies to all meals. This went as far of forgetting to put butter for toast or if you like cinnamon on your cream of wheat and didn’t mark it, none for you.
9:00-9:15: Fresh air or down time.
9:30-10:30: First group.
10:30-10:45: Break (bathrooms were open which we were all so glad for!)
10:45-11:00: AM snack (if you got pulled by your psychiatrist before this snack or therapist, you or they would get your snack for you and you’d have it while in session; applies to all meals/snacks.)
11:15-12:15: Group.
12:15-12:30: Fresh air (though when I first started, this fresh air was at 1:15). It was an adjustment from after lunch to before lunch.
12:30-1:30 or so: Lunch (though the meal was half an hour, it always inevitably took time for everyone to get back from fresh air and they would open bathrooms so the time was a little flexible). No bathrooms after lunch. Meals consisted of: sandwiches, wraps, soups, chili. Various sides: chips, teddy grhams, apple slices or banana with nutella or peanutbutter, pretzels, applesauce and others I’m probably forgetting.
1:30-2:00: Break. (bathrooms closed.) It was kind of a challenge to figure out what to do with myself since I couldn’t read etc. so if others were available, we’d play uno or just talk. I tended to nap during this break. lol
2:00-2:45: Group.
3:00-3:15: PM snack.
3:30-4:15: Group.
4:30-4:45: Break (bathrooms open).
4:45-5:00: Evening planning; a group where you go around with whoever is in your milieu room at the time (currently I guess it’d be the whole milieu since half is closed) and you say what you have planned for the evening/about your day (there are questions on a sheet that is passed around). This is usually led by a program therapist.
5:00-5:45: Free time/packages. You are limited to one package a week unless it is a hygiene product (you can always ask your therapist for permission to get an additional package).
5:45-6:15: Dinner. Meals consisted of pastas, stews with vegetable sides/fruit sides or you could add a dessert. All meals have vegetarian options and they had arfid menus with a write-in option/menu.
6:30: The art room was unlocked to get electronics.
7:00-7:15: Evening fresh air.
7:15-8:00: Free time.
8:00-8:15: H.S. snack.
8:30-10:00: Hygiene/meds/free time.
Miscellaneous:
You could slot in doing laundry anywhere into your day so long as a BHC or other staff was available to open the laundry room so you could do what you needed.
There is a cut-off time for evening meds of 10:00 or 10:15, I can’t remember exactly when. I did not know until my last night when I was packing and things and went to get my meds like way late and they told me I couldn’t get them.
You are supposed to schedule your shower time so they know which showers will be used when but honestly, if you didn’t schedule it, they wouldn’t deny you a shower if one was free. There were a lot of open blockes for showers (this was before half the milieu was closed; now, I’d imagine scheduling is more-important).
In the art room, there are various art supplies from stamps and stationary, modeling clay that air dries, markers, glue, paint and other things. You also can do your own art with any of your own supplies you bring. A big thing while I was at ERC was taking books and repurposing them into collages of some kind using all sorts of cut outs from other books and things to cover up the books content (I wish I could think of what this is called but the name is escaping me). It was to make the books meaningful and unique to that person; pretty cool though something I could not get into unfortunately due to not being able to see pictures and things. I found my time with art ok, I did the clay and I found a tactile water-color book on Amazon that I bought to use.
There are fire drills regularly, once a month I think.
PHP
Apartments:
A majority of us I’d say, stayed in off-site housing provided by ERC and we walked about 15 or so minutes to and from program (usually a few of us would walk together and talk). The apartments were nice and in a large complex in the city. The only downfall was that people would leave a bunch of food and things in the fridge so I did a clean out when I couldn’t sleep one night and found some gross vegetables in the fridge. It is hard though; only one person is in charge of the apartments and I’m not sure how many do cleaning but maybe if they implemented a clean out process when people leave that’d help though I’m not sure how much since everyone comes and goes all different times. I guess another downfall to the apartments was that the trash bin outside is rather far from the building, so in my case, of needing to take out my service dog, I could not always find it easily. One bin was close but across the road and the other was down a ways from the entrance to the apartments.
Electronics:
We could keep our electronics.
Groups:
The groups in PHP are the same as the groups in residential although there is no evening planning group; it is called check out instead and the questions are slightly different from res.
Breaks:
We could do whatever we wanted on breaks as long as we were back for the next group. So, if someone wanted to go outside, call friends/family or go to a store to pick up prescriptions, if they could do it in fifteen minutes, they were all good.
Schedule:
Very similar to res minus a few things. No fresh air breaks (because you could go outside anyways), no breakfast or H.S. snack on-site during the week and no dinner or H.S. snack on-site on weekends. During the week programming was from 10:00 am-6:30 pM. On weekends, programming was from 8:00am-3:30pm.
Therapists/Dieticians/Other staff:
If stepping down from res to PHP, as I did, you keep the same team which is nice so you don’t have to start all over with someone new. The program therapists are pretty much the same though there are some that work only on PHP so it was my first time meeting them. There are no BHC’s in PHP. Nursing is only one nurse and they are there mainly to put in medication orders to your pharmacy of choice, check vitals in the morning and for any other medical concerns. They will not administer medications though (unlike in res, that’s the only way you get meds if from nursing) you have to be responsible for your own medications and if you need anything over-the-counter, it is your responsibility.
Financial Aid:
They do offer financial aid if you need assistance and meet the criteria. The financial aid can cover the cost of the housing ($50 per night when I was in PHP) and they can also reimburse or book transportation home and to and from the airport (they reimbursed my flight costs to and from ERC once I provided them the receipts). I didn’t know about the financial aid right away though; another patient told me about it and so did my case-manager. I wish the admission staff had been informative about it because it would have been advantageous for me to have ERC cover my flight costs outright instead of having to be reimbursed. I can’t go back though and I don’t fault them since it is on their website (which I thought I’d scowered) but I realized when I read it, I thought that was only for the Denver, CO location but the financial assistance applies to all ERC locations. Now that I’m done treatment, I found out it also covers my out-of-pocket costs which helps immensely because even though my insurance covered pretty much everything, my psychiatrist ended up being out of network with them so I have those out of network costs. Which I’m not sure how that happens since it appears billing for residential was covered at full-cost (my insurance had no issues with paying for it) but then there were issues with the billing for PHP so I just about panicked when my out-of-pocket costs rose too almost my full out-of-network limit. They were able to straighten the issue out and so far, everything is in-network for PHP as it should be other than five claims for the psychiatrist. I’m still confused on that because if the PHP was all in-network and there are no separate claims for them with the res program, why would the psychiatrist have separate billing for the PHP program, why wouldn’t it be all-inclusive? Either way, I can’t complain about insurance coverage or anything because they were very transparent with me whenever I reached out (I found out about the billing issue because I saw my explanation of benefits from insurance and they showed the wrong cost (out-of-network instead of in-network). So all of the claims had to be reprocessed properly to correct the accumulations.
I know this is extremely long (I’m sorry Rachel). I just wanted to give an honest account and I didn’t want to leave anything out. Again, I hope this is helpful to someone.
Hi, I have a service dog and am considering ERC Chicago. Would you be willing to talk to me through email and answer some questions? If so, I’ll post my email here. Thanks!
Hi, I just saw this so not sure if you admitted already or are going to ERC soon. I’d be glad to talk with you over email. My email is cmm069141@gmail.com
here right now. it’s not a horrible center by any means but it often feels that the leadership could care less about our concerns. we have 20+’people packed into one side because they claim the census has to be high enough to open the other side. we are all on top of each other. it’s not ideal. but nonetheless i will say most of the bhcs are sweet and care so much for us. it’s just leadership that has me upset
Hi,
I have an intake scheduled next week but I’ve been to residential before so I’ve learned to ask a bunch of questions and I know my “deal breakers” lol. They checked 3 out of the 4 but I gave my word to my treatment team for a virtual program I’m in that I would do the intake. Is the “housing” like an inpatient psych hospital? Are there a lot of males? How often do you see your therapist? If someone is having a panic attach or flashback, are the staff supportive? Last question, are they ED informed? I am struggling with my ED but my team wants me to get trauma treatment because my trauma is keeping me from recovery. I’m sorry I asked so many questions, I probably have 15 more but I won’t bother you. Also, they are lying to you. It’s not about census, its about money. Opening up the other side means having more staff on the clock and all other things. I’ve worked at residentials and inpatients. Having been on both sides as both a patient and a mental health tech has its pro’s and con’s. I hope they open it soon!
When were you there?
June-August 2022
What level(s) of care did you do (e.g., inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP)?
Residential, PHP
If applicable: Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes I believe so
How many patients are there on average?
Around 30 patients can be on the unit. Certain times of the year the unit is more full than others though.
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined?
Yes
If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
For the most part staff was good about respecting gender identity and using the correct pronouns. There were a couple of instances where certain staff deadnamed a patient but overall transgender and nonbinary people’s gender identities were supported.
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?
You see the medical doctor when you first get there and after that it is as needed. You can always ask the nurses if you can talk to the MD or the NP and they will write a note for them to see you. You see your psychiatrist for one appointment a week. You get two sessions with your therapist and nutritionist. At rounds you meet with your psychiatrist, nutritionist, and therapist and discuss your treatment as a team. This occurs once a week.
What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
I’m not really sure
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, etc.)?
DBT, CBT, ACT, RO DBT, Mindfulness, and exposure groups
Describe the average day:
The daily schedule was basically this:
6:30am-8:00am – Hygiene, meds, and vitals
6:45am-7:00am – Fresh air
8:00am-8:15am – Fill out check-in
8:15am-8:45am – Breakfast
9:00am-9:15am – Fresh air
9:30am-10:30am – Group
10:30am-10:45am – Break (bathrooms are unlocked during breaks)
10:45am-11:00am – AM Snack
11:15am-12:15pm – Group
12:15pm – 12:30pm – Fresh Air (this fresh air is typically a short walk)
12:24pm-1:30pm – Lunch
1:30pm-2:00pm – Break (bathrooms are not unlocked during this break)
2:00pm-2:45pm – Group
3:00pm-3:15pm – PM Snack
3:30pm-4:15pm – Group
4:30pm-4:45pm – Break
4:45pm-5:00pm – Evening Planning
5:00pm-5:45pm – Break (packages are handed out during this time)
5:45pm-6:15pm – Dinner
6:45pm – Electronics are handed out
7:00pm-7:15pm – Fresh air
7:15pm-8:00pm – Free time
8:00pm-8:15pm – HS Snack
8:30pm-10:00pm – Hygiene
10:00pm – Hand in electronics
What were meals like?
There are three meals which are 30 minutes long and three snacks which are 15 minutes. Depending on the group of patients, people will talk with one another or table games are played. Certain staff members will also try to initiate games.
What sorts of food were available or served?
There were cereals, bagels, muffins, and oatmeal for breakfasts. For lunch and dinner there were sandwiches, soups/chilis, chicken, tofu, rice, cous cous, pasta with meat sauce, and more.
There were also Kosher and ARFID menus available for those who need them.
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
They do supplement. ERC uses exchanges so they look at the amount of exchanges you have and base the amount of supplement on that. There are different supplement options as well. There are the regular Boosts but you can speak with your dietician about being approved for either Kate Farms, Boost Breeze, or Magic Cups. You have 5 minutes to sit with and complete your supplement. They give you 5 optional extra minutes on top of that if you want to stay and work on it some more.
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
If you are not eating the food or drinking the supplement you will not be able to go on fresh air breaks or move up to Peer Support (this is the dining room level that allows you to do more intense groups and go on passes). I am not sure the exact policy but after a time of not complying with meals or supplements they may place an NG tube. This could also mean being put on bed rest.
Are you able to eat vegetarian?
Yes you can eat vegetarian. Every meal has a vegetarian option.
What privileges are allowed?
As long as you are completing all meals and snacks and do not have an NG tube, you are allowed on fresh air. As you move up dining room levels you can earn passes and the ability to do more challenging groups.
Does it work on a level system?
Yes they do work on a level system. The first level is Foundations and this is where everyone starts. You have the basic privileges of fresh air (given you are completing) and electronics at the given time. The next level is Peer Support and this is where you are able to start going on passes and do groups like ERP and Experiential which both involve exposures. You still eat in the same dining room as Foundations but in a different section. Bistro is the highest level. I don’t know much about this level aside from the fact that you can pick your snacks in the moment and you eat in a separate room from the other two levels.
How do you earn privileges?
You earn privileges by moving up levels.
What sort of groups do they have?
They have groups like CBT, DBT, RO DBT, Body Image, Process groups (Queer, BIPOC, and ED), ERP, ARCH (for those struggling with substance use or addictive behaviors), Anger Awareness, Shame and Connection, Experiential, Role Play Group, Boundaries, Mindfulness, Nutrition, ACT, and Relationships and Recovery.
What was your favorite group?
I enjoyed Nutrition group because the dieticians running it always made it fun and interesting. Process can also be a very good group depending on what people bring into the group. RO DBT was very interesting for me because I found a lot of it relatable and it was something I hadn’t heard of before
What did you like the most?
Electronics time every day, there were some very good BHCs therapists, dieticians, and psychiatrists, and the balance between groups and free time.
What did you like the least?
Sometimes the groups felt very repetitive and sometimes some of the therapists that ran groups would just lecture (this depended on the therapist though).
Would you recommend this program?
Overall I would recommend this program.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
A 15 minute afternoon walk.
What did people do on weekends?
Groups end early on the weekends and you can get your phone earlier as well. Most people took naps since rooms are unlocked for a couple of hours during the day on the weekends. Other people had visitors or just sat and used their electronics. Some people played games. It is very chill on the weekends.
Do you get to know your weight?
No they do blind weights.
How fast is the weight gain process?
I am not sure.
What was the average length of stay?
I would say the average length of stay is around 4 to 6 weeks but it can really depend on the person and insurance.
What was the average age range?
The average age range was early to mid 20s although there were definitely people in their 30s and 40s.
How do visits/phone calls work?
You can have two visitors at a time. They can come on the weekends from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. You can make phone calls during electronics time. If you need to make a phone call outside of that time you can ask your therapist about getting a phone pass.
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
Electronics are kept your locker until 6:45pm. Then you get your electronics until 10:00pm. On the weekends you get your electronics around 3:30pm and keep them until 10:00pm. You have to turn in your electronics by 10:00pm or you will get a warning, electronics taken away for a couple of days, and after your third late turn in, you get them taken away the rest of your time in residential.
In PHP you are allowed to have your electronics with you the whole day but you cannot be using them during meals and groups.
For inpatient/residential: Are you able to go out on passes?
Yes you are able to go on passes. You must make it to the Peer Support level first though.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
They will help you set up a step down program, whether that be PHP or IOP.
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
For those not from Chicago they do have a travel liaison that can help you find flights and hotels. They also have apartments you can stay in if you are doing PHP there. The apartments are about 15 minutes away from program.
If applicable: How is the program responding to COVID? (Less patients, virtual programming, no visitors, masks, social distancing, etc)
Everyone on the unit was required to wear a mask pretty much all the time. Plastic dividers are placed between patients at the tables. There are hand sanitizers placed around the floor for patients to use. There is also a sink always available for handwashing in the hallway. Patient’s temperatures are taken every day and if a patient has a fever or has other symptoms the nurses will COVID test them.
Other?
Overall I found this program to be the most helpful to me compared to some other ones. I also met a lot of great people there.
Thank you KT! I had no idea the Chicago location had Kosher menus. Do you know if it has a Kosher kitchen?
Do you know much about how the ARFID menus work? Are they designed to allow ARFID patient to complete their meals and snacks while doing food exposures?
Are most of the groups split up into smaller sizes, or are there groups where the entire unit is together?
I don’t think they have a Kosher kitchen but it looked like they got their Kosher food sent as microwave re-heatable meals.
I don’t know too much about the ARFID menus but I believe they allow for exposures on the sides of meals and snacks. I think I heard the staff say that those on the ARFID menu can write in food requests as well.
Most of the groups are split up. There are two group rooms so typically half of the patients will go to one and half to the other. Groups like ERP and Experiential are split by dining room level though so it may not be as even. The only groups where everyone is together are any weekend groups (though sometimes these are split in half) and Community.
Hope this helps! and feel free to ask any more questions!
I’m here now and have not seen anyone needing Kosher or with ARFID, so I don’t know how/if they handle those. Also, the census is smaller right now, so only one side of the unit is open and all patients are together. They are not sure when they will get a consistently high enough census to reopen the other side.
Location: Huron location in Chicago (adults)
This will be a review on the Huron location. I don’t recommend this place for anyone unless you need the hospital setting. There’s 32 of you and yes a lot of time it’s at full census so all 32 beds are filled, they are SO understaffed. There’s usually 2-4 BHCs per 32 of you. If you need a check in or are struggling you better figure it out on your own because no one is around. I got so much worse after being there for 4 weeks, I was tubed after 4 days and when I left I was in worse shape than when I got there. There are a few BHCs who are actually amazing that actually made a difference in my stay there. My therapist was a actual joke, the nurses are all amazing but I really don’t recommending going here unless you need the hospital like setting. Your entire room and milieu bin including journals is gone through daily, it’s like being in a psych ward. Please find elsewhere this place was actually traumatic. I was here in March-April 2022
Could not agree more! It is horrid place. Unsupportive, punishing environment. Nurses are the only redeeming quality.
I just wanted to get on here and say that I was in ERC (Chicago) in March/April for their Residential and also PHP. While I was in the program, *TW: trauma* I was assaulted in my apartment *END TW* and went to PHP and their BHC’s were really understanding. With that being said their Psychiatrist, my RD and my therapist all had a meeting and told me I was struggling too much and put me on a treatment contract despite me telling them what happened. They told me “I was wallowing in my own self pity”. I told them what I needed support wise and they were unwilling to accommodate me or meet me in the middle. They were not understanding as well of my financial issues and I was forced to discharge against clinical advice. I really did not have a good experience there.
There were also a lot of techs on the floor that played favorites with certain patients and would offer more support. While I was there a white patient said a very racist comment in the lunch area to a BIPOC staff member and the issue was not dealt with and actually swept under the rug and was told that “upper management didn’t want to make a fuss out of it because that’s just who that patient was”. I really don’t recommend this place to people.
has anyone been to the ERC adult residential in Chicago? i am looking to admit there soon but wanted to get some info from anyone that’s been there recently. my main concern about the program is the age range (I’m 19) and if it’s weird transitioning from an adolescent unit to an adult unit with a much wider range of ages. lmk
Does anyone know what type of Boost they use at ERC chicago? Like is it the original, or plus nutrition, or high protein?
Boost breeze, Boost regular, Boost plus, magic cups? Boost pudding
Hi! Does anyone have any reviews/experiences (preferably recent) from the BED specialty program here? I’ve been considering getting extra help for my struggles with binging, and am curious about how the program works. (Especially compared to being a BED client within a mixed milieu of clients.)
Hopefully someone can share! I know a lot of people who did the program and all of them found it helpful, but they all did the program a few years ago. I do know though that the milieu is only mixed in residential. In PHP and IOP the BED track (“BETR” – Binge Eating Treatment & Recovery) it is a completely separate program. Most people do the 7-day BETR PHP with housing rather than the general ED residential, since in the PHP it is all BED clients but still provides close to the same level of support. Or if they start at residential, they’ll try to step down to PHP quickly and just spend more time at that level of care.
Hello!
I will be starting PHP at the oak Brook location on Thursday and i’m feeling very nervous. I’m coming from Monte Nido residential after being cut by insurance, so I already know that I need a higher level of care.
I had a few questions I would appreciate the answers to:
Does the program include restaurant exposures?
Are there innings/outings?
What happens if you don’t complete or supplement? How long do they wait before stepping you up to a HLOC?
What kinds of foods are available? Do you get dislikes that you don’t have to eat?
Did you find the program helpful?
Any advice?
Additional comments:
hey! i was at monte nido miami the past few months. i was at ERC res (Huron) in for 6 weeks in 2023. I ultimately ended up leaving. i would clarify your payments because i am STILL paying mine off. i see this was posted 3 months ago, i hope that if you went you got the help you deserved:)
Does anyone have any reviews from pathlight chicago adult res?
There are a couple on this page – I just fixed the comment search function, so you can use it to search for “pathlight”. (The search bar appears right above the beginning of the comments section on each page.) I can’t remember the dates of those. I can also do one from August 2023. (If you are also looking at the Seattle res location, I can do Sept/Oct 2023 for that one.)
Describe the average day:
My daughter is there now 5/21/25 and says (her first day) that the unit seems depressing, no one talks to eachother and there are judging glances. She said the environment is triggering. I hope she makes it through, today is just her first day. She said its just as off putting as the psychiatric ward she had to go to last year.
I will say, the first days are the hardest. It takes a little bit for people to warm up to you and for you to warm up to the people. The experience also does depend on the people you’re with, but that can change in as soon as a week, so the bad tends not to stick around (especially as you learn who to disregard). Residentials can also be quite triggering environments unfortunately, although they are lifesaving. As someone with experience, ERC Huron is *much* more friendly than any inpatient psych ward I know of. The adult location is infinitely better than the adolescents too, since it’s voluntary. Validate her feelings, support her, and encourage her to stay!
I agree with this! It’s also hard being the newest admit – think of it like being the new kid at school. People’s looks may feel judging, especially if we already feel judged by people and by the world in general, but the thing is – if no one looks at you once you arrive, how is anyone going to know who you are! To know who is new that they can talk to or to welcome! Or who might need help with the schedule or finding group rooms, etc. If it is a tense group of patients right now, I guarantee someone there is grateful your daughter arrived because now they have someone to talk to, and your daughter’s arrival might just have turned their experience around. But like Anonymous said, the group changes every week and it should get better soon – especially once she discovers which patients are trouble and which patients to pay no mind to because they’ll either hold her back or they just want everyone else to stay miserable with them.
I’ll say too that when I first arrived, the appearance of the unit looked a lot like a nice psych ward, and then there are all the rules – I had a complete breakdown sobbing uncontrollably about how I felt like I was back on a psych unit. I felt a lot better about how it looked after being there a couple days though, once I had been through a couple full days of the schedule, gone to actual groups, used my electronics, eaten snacks that had way more options than just psych unit graham crackers, gone outside, seen people go on outings, understood better the purpose of the rules, heard people laughing – none of that was like a psych unit, so it stopped feeling like a psych unit.
Did ERC Chicago just switch over to Unidine as their food provider? How does Chicago compare to other locations.
Does anyone know if they accept NG tubes at a PHP level? I’m getting one placed in OP but I was just in res
generally speaking, they don’t do tubes in php – they want you to be nutritionally stable (don’t need to be fully weight restored though). their philosophy is that if you need a tube, you probably need a HLOC. if you’re reliant on a tube for medical reasons, I’m sure they’d be willing to make an exception. you can always ask though!
Thanks, I had to leave Res for work reasons and ended it on good terms and it wasn’t an AMA or ACA discharge. I know I still need help but am not able to do res at this moment. I’ll definitely ask though.
Hi, I went through the ERC Chicago Res and PHP levels of care last in the fall of 2019 and I know a lot has changed since then. I would love a review or any info at all on the program currently?
Thank you!
levels: there are three “phases.” you have to be on phase one (observation) for a week before you can fill out an application to move up. you need to get signatures and stuff. requirements for getting to phase 2 include not being a safety risk, being medically stable, completing 75% of meal plan through supplement or food, participating, et cetera. being on phase 2 gives you extra electronics time, more fresh air, opportunities for outings and therapeutic passes, evening showers… level 3 is more of the same, plus you get your phone overnight, and you can eat in separate dining. it seems nice, because the dining room can be kinda frustrating.
completion: 30 minutes for meals, 15 for snacks. staff will let you know at the halfway point. you get roughly 5-10 to supplement after. they mark it down on your phase card (basically tracks if you completed, completed with supplement, or didn’t complete) after. If you finish you can leave and have some down time, if you don’t you have to sit for supplement. if you’re consistently not completing, your team will talk to you about potentially having supportive dining (eat one-on-one), and you could eventually end up with a tube. it’s pretty individualized. they’ll tube at whatever size, and it’s based on if your body is getting the nutrition it needs, not weight loss or %IBW.
staff support: kinda lacking. if you reach out they’re great, but they can be slow to offer. they’ll give occasional prompts, and offer ice or heat packs. some are better than others.
electronics: phase 1 gets electronics after dinner, phase 2 gets them an hour or so before. they both turn them in from 9:45-10:00. phase 3 gets them at the same time as 2, but doesn’t have to turn them in until before breakfast the next day.
groups: most are fine. some are boring. some are helpful. better than other places I’ve been. some program therapists make more productive groups than others. art is fun. i want to say maybe two or three have really impacted me in the past few days. could definitely be worse.
passes: you can have up to 2 hours of passes on phase 2 per week, and up to 4 on phase 3 per week. split it up or take it at once. you choose. you do have to earn passes slash get them approved, so yk.
Does anyone have recent feedback on ERC – Chicago ?? I’m looking for feedback on all levels of care (residential and PHP/IOP). A full review would be highly appreciated if anyone has feedback !
I recently went through residential and PHP at ERC Chicago. I spent around a month and a half at both res and PHP. I would say it was life saving for sure. I’d be more than willing to answer any/all questions you have about either program.
Could you message me? Im about to maybe admit and would love to talk and ask you some questions!
if you post your questions here then everyone can benefit from the answers!
What was the policy with tubes at the Huron location? Did they place them in adult res or is that only for inpatient?
What was the phone and technology policy? Could you have it all day or just certain times?
How did meals and supplements work? I know they are exchanges but what were some typical snacks or meals and if you have any information on how they handle food allergies/dietary restrictions, did they do that well?
I have seen that they are in an office building. Do you get to go outside (and how many times per day) and are there walks/any sort of yoga or other movement? Do they have a fitness person on site?
did you end up going? and can anyone answer any of these questions because I’m admitting next week, and I have the same questions:)
hi! I was there earlier this year. they do tube at res, but they try to work with you first. phone and tech was given to you after dinner on level 1, after last group of the day on level 2 (requires 75%ish completion). they had write-in menus for allergies, as well as special menus if you were gluten free or similar. for snacks, there are three lists (you’re given one based on snack size) that you can circle options you like off of, and they’ll choose for you from those options. meals you fill out menus for every week based on exchanges, some items were chicken & rice, chili, sandwiches, spaghetti bolognese, et cetera. pretty typical hospital-y food. alright, not great. you did get a cup of coffee in the morning if you wanted, though. there wasn’t a yoga or fitness group. there was a daily walk outside for level two and above. there were also three or four fifteen-minute outside time breaks.
overall, I much preferred Monte Nido Chicago, but ERC was still helpful.
Hey anon,
I’d love to hear your experience of res at ERC Chicago. I’m likely admitting sometime in the next few weeks. Interested in hearing about meals/expectations/levels. Food exposures, groups, etc…
TIA!
Does anyone have reviews relating to the adolescent program as of recent?
I went to TK but it wasn’t the best for me. Wondering if this will be a better fit. Trying to figure things out.
Does anyone have recent feedback on the Chicago location – RES & PHP (ERC) ??
i felt like it was a very toxic environment. the techs were rude, the mileu seemed like tube-feeding was a competition, the psychiatry was lacking, groups were spent by patients sleeping or skipping them, everyone was so packed on top of eachother you couldn’t even make phone calls, and the food was honestly terrible. i will say, my therapist was lovely and finding friends who went through it with me was good. but in the end i struggled in PHP living in the apartments and instead of them putting me back in res like they said they would, they just sent me back home. mind you i live 6 hours away and they said if i couldn’t find a ride home they always could find me a homeless shelter….
Does anyone have recent feedback on Monte Nido (please specify location) OR Oliver Pyatt OR Fairhaven OR ERC – Chicago / Dallas / Denver ??
*cross-posted here by admin from client general forum, with rach’s permission
Hi Rach! (Love your name by the way, we Rachels are great!) To help get more views from people who have been to one of the places, would you be up for me cross-posting this onto each program’s page? (Or you are welcome to cross-post yourself!) Some community members just keep up with the pages for the center/s they have been to and not the general forum.
Feel free to cross post ! (:
I’m not sure if you’re still looking into these programs, but I personally would not choose ERC Dallas. It would be my last choice of the options on this list.
Hello!
i would HIGHLY recommend OPC which in now know for Monte nido Miami. One of the best residential places I’ve been too. Who actually care about you
Does anyone know if outings and passes have come back? I am thinking about admitting here but if there’s not the outings for real life exposures, I’m unsure if it’ll be a good fit.
They have! I was here a few months ago and in residential we got an outing once a week for something fun & passes if you were on level 2 and in PHP we had meal outings and passes/exposures
Did you have a good experience / would you recommend the Chicago location ?? Any feedback is highly appreciated (the more the better lol) !!
Any place has its down sides but in terms of recovery, I think it’s a good place to go. The program therapists aren’t always the best but the teams of psychiatrists, therapists, and dieticians surpassed my expectations and are the foundation of my recovery.
any recent reviews? i was there in 2020
This review is specific to the PATHLIGHT residential program on Erie St in Chicago!
Describe the average day:
Bottom line, I wouldn’t recommend Pathlight unless you need a bed asap or have never been to a HLOC or even a comprehensive/robust outpatient mental health/ed program. Programming is not really suited for anyone with extensive treatment history/experience – it is very elementary with tons of worksheets. Only benefit for me was easy access to TMS, ketamine treatments and RO DBT (which I’m not entirely sure is even appropriate for me). Also, unless you are fully confident in your ed recovery you may find yourself extremely triggered by the meal issues and overall lack of dietary oversight. I struggled in this program ed wise and lost a significant amount of weight.
Thanks for sharing all this great info, EJ! Just so I understand, is this the Chicago ERC residential or pathlight only residential? I thought they were combined but now I’m thinking I was wrong on that.
They are not combined. Website is confusing by listing both at same location! ERC adult residential programming is on Huron St. while Pathlight Mood & Anxiety residential is on Erie St.
Thank you for posting this! I have a question about the tracks, do you have to make a request to be put on the tracks you think would be most helpful for you or do they automatically put you on ones that match your diagnoses? Could you have your outpatient therapist advocate for you to do certain tracks or did you have to like prove you needed them?
Also, what is the unit like, does it look really clinical or is it more home-y/casual? Is there a lot of space for people to spread out/relax between groups? Did it feel safe? Are you allowed to go back to your room at all during the day? Was it chilly inside, or like hot/stuffy?
How was the psychiatrist? Were the primary therapists experienced at all, or were they also unexperienced like the program therapists? Were there BHCs and nurses also there during the day or just the program therapists?
Sorry for so many questions! Any that you (or anyone else!) can answer would be so helpful.
Tracks are decided by your individual therapist based on diagnosis and evaluation.
The unit takes up entire 4th floor of an office building on Erie St. It’s more clinical looking than homey, but the milieu rooms have a certain lived in appeal to them (a lot of art materials, games, and other stuff around)!
Bedrooms are locked from 8am to 8pm with some exceptions (can do your individual OE or ERP activity in your room during week and on the weekends during visiting hours you can go to your room – if no visitors). It can get “peopley” and noisy at times, but there is a zen room (kinda like a quiet room) you can access, a book nook with benches, and at least 2 of the 4 group/milieu rooms are usually open for everyone to spread out. I felt safe – but like anywhere else, where there is a will (to act out/be destructive), there is a way…. They don’t tolerate destructive behavior – I saw at least 2 people get sent out to HLOC during my 3 weeks there.
Back in May, the AC system hadn’t kicked in yet so it got stuffy after a string of warm days. Once the AC came on though, it was actually chilly on the unit.
There are several psychiatrists (Dr. W, Dr. J, and Dr. H, I believe). I had Dr. W, he was ok, but I didn’t ask for much… I knew what I wanted going in (ketamine or tms) and he made it happen pretty quickly. Some of the ITs (individual therapists) are better than others, but generally have more experience than the ProTs (program therapists). Nurses are there 24/7 as are 1-3 or more BHC’s, depending on shift and census.
Hoping this helps!
Hi, my therapist wants me to admit to ERC for a higher level of care. I have an assessment today but currently my mom is trying to contact my therapist to see why she wants me in a higher level of care. Does anyone have current updates? My therapist said she loves ERC but pretty much every therapist says that. Questions: where would I stay if I step down or start in PHP? I have POTS and tachycardia, are they going to freak out or listen to my outpatient doctors? Do they go by growth charts or BMI? Can they accommodate to intestinal tract paralysis? What are rules for phones? I’m an adult btw.
I was at ERC Chicago in 2021 and can answer as of then.
ERC provides housing for PHP for a relatively inexpensive price or you can stay in a hotel/air bnb. I stayed in a hotel. I would not recommend staying in ERC’s housing. A lot of drama goes on, and from what I’ve heard it’s never cleaned. Basically one person moves out and the next comes in. Staying in a hotel was really nice because I had that time to myself in the morning and at night, which was greatly needed after the long PHP days.
I met with the doctor very few times. They took all advice from my outpatient docs. Even when I did have complaints it was hard to meet with them. I ended up going to a nearby walk-in clinic. ERC is right next to Northwestern Hospital.
They are used to dealing with GI issues. Several people had gastroparesis when I was there. I do not, but I have A LOT of other GI issues. My dietician did the best she could to help. It still wasn’t ideal but that’s been the case at every treatment center I’ve been to.
In PHP, you can have your phone with you at all times. Just can’t have it out in groups or meals.
There is a lot of flexibility in their PHP program, which ultimately requires a lot of accountability on your own part. Personally, I had an overall positive experience at ERC Chicago. Many didn’t but there are literally so many reasons that go into that. Basically you get out what you put in and just have to make the best of sometimes difficult situations
Bed treatment at residential level is done thru the path light
From an ERC staff member:
“There is no BED specific residential at ERC or Pathlight anymore- only PHP and IOP, and only in Chicago. Patients with BED can still enter residential, they just need to be aware that it’s a mixed diagnoses milieu.”
“(I work for ERC, so feel free to comment any other questions and I’ll try to answer them)”
Is virtual programming still happening
Only in a few states and not for international citizens
My son recently completed the PHP program at ERC. I wanted to share our experience with others as I know how challenging it is to navigate mental health services for your loved one. ERC was a blessing to our family. They provided my child with a safe, affirming, non judgmental and nurturing environment during his journey to recovery. As parents, they equipped us with the necessary emotional, behavioral and nutritional strategies to help guide our child to improved wellness. Dealing with mental health issues is such an overwhelming and daunting task, but ERC was pivotal in guiding us towards the hope of better days. I strongly recommend this program to anyone who is on the journey to recovery.
Email response re the bed program
Thank you for reaching out! Our Binge Eating Treatment program provides Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) treatment in Chicago. For these programs the units are wheelchair accessible. We use a a few different therapeutic modalities, our main ones being Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). We serve a variety of foods, you choose your entrees and sides from provided menus with a few options in each category.
The length of stay is individualized per person, for PHP it’s on average 4 weeks and IOP on average 10 weeks.
We are in network with most major insurances, and since coverage can vary per policy, we take down insurance information when we schedule the assessment so that our business office can reach out to your insurance to learn what the coverage is and what any out of pocket costs would be and we relay that information back to you. We are not in network with any government funded insurance such as Medicaid/Medicare or Tricare East
I thought I had made it clear I was I would be paying out of pocket. The lack of info about food is unsettling. The lack of a resi option is also terrifying as I will be transferring from an international general subacute ward but it may related my non ed related stuff(if it is i will take them court).
Only PHP and Iop for binge eating. why is so hard to find res for bed
Alsana treats BED in res and uses a HAES model.
completely separately?
No, Alsana does not treat BED separately from other EDs in res or any other level of care. Everyone is in the same program together.
is this location wheelchair accessible
I am going to Princeton on Monday and I may be stepping down to the ERC residential in Chicago because of Project Heal. (They have been wonderful). I do have some random questions about the residential. I am an adult and I was wondering what the room situation was like. Do you share a room? Are you able to go back to your room during the day? Also, I have never been in a location where youndo not have your own bathrooms, so I am little nervous about that. Do they stand outside while you go to the bathroom? I’m pretty sure that they will have to flush but I do get anxiety about going to the bathroom in front of other people. Are you allowed to go to the bathroom when there is not a scheduled bathroom time? I tend pee a lot, especially at night. Also, are your scheduled showers monitored? Are there other people taking showers while you take showers?
Sorry, I’ve always lived alone and I’m having a lot of anxiety about the shared living spaces.
also, any advice people can offer after having been there would be so appreciated! Thanks in advance!
For the room situation you will share a room with typically 2 other people. The bathrooms are like a public bathroom with stalls, everyone is on flush checks which means the staff flushes for you. You can use the bathroom when ever you need to if it’s during “lockout“ times they may ask if you can wait until that’s over but if you can’t they will open them and you just have to count/ talk/ sing ect. This is for 30 minutes after snacks and 1 hour after meals. There are 3 or 4 showers and most of the time there is others showering while you are, you sign up on a board in the bathroom. Anytime there is anyone in the bathroom there is always a staff there as well. For the first 72 hours you can only shower in the morning but after that there is availability to shower at night. The showers are only 15 minutes. If you have any other questions feel free to ask!
Thank you so much for your reply! Did you have a good experience there and any advice you can offer? I’ve been in inpatient more times than I can remember, but I’ve never been in a residential. Did most people just wear comfy clothes? in inpatient we pretty much always wear pajamas lol.
ERC Chicago can be a bit challenging for people who are introverted/used to having their own space (like me). When I was there I had one roommate (not sure the ratio of triple to double rooms). Importantly, you are NOT able to go back to your bedroom at all during the day. They are locked from 8AM to around 8PM. You are basically forced to be either in one of the two milieu rooms or the group room with everyone all day. They lock the milieu during group and lock the group room when there is no group in session. So you really have no privacy/alone time which really bothered me since I’m generally someone who processes my emotions in private and don’t want to be in front of everyone. Your only option if you really need alone time is to go to the end of one of the hallways and hide in a corner, but you can only sit on the floor.
You will have to get used to going to the bathroom with other people…usually a lot of people take advantage of the bathroom being open so there is often a line up when the bathroom is open. They don’t stand outside the stall though, they usually sit in a chair further away from the stalls. But it’s rare that there aren’t other people using the bathroom at the same time as you. It can also be frustrating if you have to pee a lot (I do as well) because you have to find a BHC willing to unlock the bathroom and go with you. Sometimes they get irritated (especially because they tend to be short-staffed). It isn’t usually a problem overnight though, there is always someone on duty to open the bathroom. Finally regarding showers, yes everyone generally takes showers around the same time because there is only like a 1.5 hour period in the morning and evening that you can shower. They don’t stand outside the showers though and the showers themselves are partitioned with a little chair in the front where you can put your clothes and stuff.
Regarding clothes, most people just wear sweatpants or leggings and sweatshirts. Probably not too different from inpatient but you don’t have the restrictions on drawstrings/zippers like in the hospital. You could also wear PJs if you want to, but you typically go for a walk after lunch and it’s downtown Chicago.
I think those aspects of the program bothered me the most when I was there. That being said though, I did overall have a good experience and I thought it was a decent program so I don’t want that to scare you off. If you find yourself really struggling, you could try bringing it up on rounds with your team. You have rounds once a week with your psych, therapist, and usually one of the dietitians. If you advocate for yourself they may give you special accommodations.
Desperately looking for any info or full reviews on adult residential at chicago location!! May be admitting in the next week
https://edtreatmentreview.com/erc-chicago/#comment-23338
https://edtreatmentreview.com/erc-chicago/#comment-21496
https://edtreatmentreview.com/erc-chicago/#comment-20050
https://edtreatmentreview.com/erc-chicago/#comment-20061
https://edtreatmentreview.com/erc-chicago/#comment-19833
All of those are full reviews by people who have been to ERC Chicago’s adult residential in the past year, and/or full answers to questions asked of them. They can also all be found by scrolling down.
Anyone have any recent review me for the Chicago PHP? Possibly admitting there next month. Thanks!
Adolescent or adult program?
Adult 🙂
does anyone know if they allow people with feeding tubes??
The huron residential tubes ppl
I might be admitting soon. How are things over there, are they doing outings yet? What are the challenge food restaurant options? I was in residential here from December 2021-February 2022, and then again from April 2022 and then in PHP for a little bit in April and May 2022. [redacted]
Does the Chicago location have zucchini bread and the Oreo dirt pudding as a snack option now, like the Denver location does? I found the ERC Chicago snack options rather boring/limited, especially in terms of A and C snacks. And most people ended up on A snacks as maintenance, which weren’t as tasty or satisfying as B snacks. Here’s a verbatim snack list from ERC Chicago, circa January 2022. I asterisked what was memorable.
A snacks: 1 starch + 1 fat, 1 fruit + 1 protein + 1 fat, 1 starch + 1 dairy, 2-3 different exchange types.
Banana or apple + peanut butter OR Nutella1/2 bagel topped with cream cheeseCottage cheese + peach cupCereal (1 Rice Krispies, Frosted Flakes, or Honey Nut Cheerios) + milkCheese ritz cracker sandwichesCheez-itsChips (BBQ potato chips, potato chips, or pita chips)Goldfish crackersGraham crackers + peanut butter Guacamole + tortilla chips Hard boiled egg + Townhouse butter cracker + fruit (apple or banana) OR juice (optional: 1 salt and pepper) Ice cream (vanilla or chocolate) Kind bar Lorna Doones + milk OR yogurt Mixed nuts Nature Valley bars 1/2 peanut butter sandwich Pretzels Popcorn Poptart String cheese + Townhouse oval butter cracker Teddy grahams Trail mix Yogurt + fruit (apple/banana) OR juice Hot chocolate with 8oz 2% milk OR soymilk
Snack list B: 1 starch + 1 protein + 1 fat + 1 fruit + 1 dairy, 1 dairy + 2 starches + 2 fats, 2 starches + 2 fats + 1 fruit, 5-6 different exchange types (can only include 1 fruit or vegetable exchange)
Blueberry muffinsClif bar + milk OR yogurtChocolate peanut butter protein bar*Townhouse oval butter cracker + cheese cubesCheese ritz cracker sandwiches + milkChips (from A snack) + milk OR juiceCookies (choc chip or sugar)Granola + milk OR yogurtIce cream + chocolate syrup + nuts Mixed nuts Oreos + milk OR yogurt 1/2 PB/banana sandwich + milk OR yogurt Pita chips + hummus Poptarts Pretzels with milk OR juice Greek yogurt + diced nuts Teddy grahams + milk OR juice OR yogurt Trail mix + fruit (apple or banana) OR juice OR yogurt OR milk* “B-shake” (vanilla, chocolate, Oreo)
Snack list C: 3 starches + 3 protein + 3 fats + 1 fruit + 1 dairy, 10-11 different exchange types (can only include 1 fruit exchange and no vegetable exchange)
“C-shake” (vanilla, chocolate, Oreo)Crackers, cheese, and nut plate*PB/Nutella/banana wrap + milk OR yogurtGranola, Greek yogurt, and berries parfaitWhole PB sandwich with (choose 1: jelly or honey or banana) + Greek yogurtGranola, Greek yogurt, and banana parfaitWhole turkey sandwichHot chocolate with 8oz whole milk + cookies (choc chip or sugar)Trail mix + 1 fruit (apple or banana) OR juice OR yogurt OR milk*
Oof! I think your first paragraph might be really triggering to people. Rachel, do you think you might possibly redact some of it? Not to be rude, I just think it could possibly make some people really scared and use information that is not necessarily useful to everyone.
Thank you for the snack list, though. I know people really appreciate that.
Oof indeed, good catch, thank you s!! The only downside to admining EDTR in recovery is that sometimes a trigger won’t register as triggering in my brain until it is too late and it is up, and someone else says something. Wow, I am so grateful that you did. The longer one is up before someone says something, the more damage done.
Lilliputan, I’m not sure if the outings are back, but I can look through my notes and let you know the pre-Covid food challenge outings options if you would like! It basically cycles between three categories, fast food/quick service restaurants (you order at the counter and they give it to you at the counter), counter service restaurants (where you order at the counter and they bring it to your table), and sit down restaurants (where you order at the table and they bring it to your table)
You are AMAZING Rachel. I can’t believe how much time you devote to this place. You can’t possibly catch every single word. That would just be impossible. That is why you have your minions to back you up <3
I. LOVE. THIS. SO. MUCH. ??? Our EDTR community is truly unparalleled.
A quick question about tubes. Do they tube in residential or is that only for inpatient treatment?
They tube in residential. They didn’t used to when I was there (2015), but they have done tubes now for a few years. Keep in mind that tubing is for “noncompliance” (not complying with your meal plan or doing supplements), it’s not for weight restoration, so they also will tube at all weights.
I had a whole post but must have written it wrong so here goes again.
Thank you for your feedback. I appreciate it truly.
I have a service dog. How are the other patients with service dogs and do they avoid the dog and not try to play with the dog or anything? How about during meal times?
They mentioned I would have to use Rover or similar to let her on walks during the first 48 hours. Do you know what that process is like?
Are they offering passes again? Is it common to get on a level with passes or is the level not associated with passes? Do most people stay on Foundations or Peer Support or do people level up to Bestro pretty quickly if they are compliant and actually working at things?
Again, thank you.
Happy to help!
wrt [with regards to] the service dog, Patients are basically told that they need to not be petting them or playing since they are working. I’m guessing others would want to ask questions but would hopefully be respectful about it. For the first 48 hours, you’d want to 1) get a phone pass from your IT (who hopefully you will meet on the first day) and/or 2) communicate with the BHCs working to schedule in phone access so you can use Rover. I’m guessing you would meet the dog walker on the lobby floor of the building and a BHC would transport you back and forth on and off the unit. Not sure about how dog feeding time would work, but I’m thinking it would have to be supervised by a BHC.
Passes– yes, you will be able to do passes when you’re on peer support, and this is all coordinated with your nutritionist and/or therapist. Depending on which RD / IT you get, safety, etc, you might get passes pretty quickly after moving up to peer support, or you might need to work on other behaviours before they grant you passes. For snack passes they give 45 min max and meal passes 90 min max I believe, depending on where you go.
For the level system, it really depends on the person. I saw people go straight to Peer Support in their first week, and others that didn’t get on Peer Support until 4-5 weeks into the process. It’s based on meal and supplement completion, so it definitely looks different person-to-person. When you complete 48 hours of 100% completion (min 75% solids and supplement for the remaining percentage) you are eligible to move up to Peer Support, which gives you access to Innings (no Outings when I was there), ERP, and just more privileges overall. In the first handful of weeks you might go between peer support and foundations and that is okay and common, too. Usually patients were at the Bistro level during their last ~1 week; usually by then your team (or insurance) is wanting to move you down to PHP if you’re ready.
ERC Huron
I’m scheduled to admit soon to ERC. I have eating disorder behavior caused by trauma. How are they with addressing trauma and what if you have a hard time with meds like you don’t always take them as you are supposed to? How are the therapists and groups? Are the other patients nice? This will be my first time in residential treatment. I’m nervous but I know outpatient hasn’t been working for me.
I was at ERC Huron residential around this spring / summer, and discharged a little over a week ago, so hoping this is up-to-date and helpful!
They are okay with trauma, but it would depend a lot on your team and what goals you want to work on in your time there. Likely they would work on the ED behaviour(s) connected to the trauma and not the trauma itself as in-depth.
In terms of meds, you will be required to be compliant while you are on the unit, and you’ll do mouth checks esp if you have a history of noncompliance. If you don’t stop by the nurses station for AM/PM/etc meds yourself, a nurse will come get you after the busy med times (i.e. 7-8AM, 8:30-10PM). If you go to sleep before you take PM meds (if applicable), they probably won’t wake you up or anything, but address it in the morning and make sure you get back on track. You are required to complete a weekly goal sheet with nursing, so if you want to work on med completion with them that’s how you would track that goal.
For therapists, I really liked them, both my individual therapist and the others that ran groups. For groups, there’s a pretty good variety (nutrition, mindfulness, CBT, DBT, RO-DBT, ACT, addiction behaviour-focused (if applicable to you), LGBTQIA+ process, general process groups, exposures (when you get higher in the ‘level system’). I found the processing groups to be most helpful because they are a bit less structured than other ones that followed worksheets and such.
Other patients were definitely the highlight of my time there. I feel like I gained the most insight into my own and others’ recovery through peer support and interactions and it helped me a lot. Everyone understands that the first few days are super overwhelming and there’s so much info thrown at you at once, so you’ll receive a lot of understanding there and others will be super willing to answer questions you have. I would say that loose ‘friend groups’ form based on the general times that you admit (e.g. I stayed closer with the people that admitted within the same 1-2 week time frame as me if that makes sense). I know that there’s a lot of patients stepping down at the moment so you will have a solid group of people admitting around the same time and in the same boat as you! I did not experience or see any cliques or anything like that, everyone was super kind and supportive even if you had never talked to them before. There’s about 20-30 adult patients on the unit; it’s about 95% women, 5% non-binary people, and <1% men (there was only 1 male patients in my entire time there).
More than happy to answer any other questions or to make another post here!
Thanks
Has anyone been to the BETR residential program recently and have any reviews/comments that would help me decide where to go I originally was going to go to the Baltimore location due to it being much closer to family but it was mentioned that the Chicago program has a BED only program I would appreciate any input also I’m an adult with a very high BMI with bed so anything would be great
If you have the ability to do Chicago, I would recommend that you do that one. You could also go to the Chicago location for residential and then “step down” to the Baltimore location for day/outpatient treatment after finishing residential. Baltimore is a very new location. Chicago’s BETR program has been there for about 10 years at this point, and has been a BED-only program the whole time as well. I haven’t been at ERC Chicago since 2015, but I knew quite a few BETR patients while I was there so I will ask around now and see if anyone has been more recently that can talk about what it is like. But back then everyone I knew there thought it was a great program. At that point generally there were around a dozen BETR patients at any given time in PHP and residential. They have an “all-foods-fit” approach and are anti-diet. One exposure I recall their dietitian did with them was going to Fannie May. They all had to order and eat three chocolates, and then had group afterwards to process.
Has anyone been to PHP/IOP at the ERC on Michigan Avenue in Chicago (the BETR program)? If so, how did you like it? If you have complex trauma, do you feel they were well equipped to help with that along with your ED?
Awful place. They overfed me, and I gained a ridiculous amount of weight in a short time-span. It was unhealthy, and it wrecked my body. They brushed off my stomach-aches, nausea, vomiting, etc, as “somatization.” No, it was because I was overfed and gained weight at an unhealthy rate. Very invalidating. This place did not help me recover and made me so much worse off.
Did you have any say in the meal plan at all? What happened if you couldn’t finish a meal? Were there any older people there? Thank you so much! Any info would be so appreciated!
Depends on your dietician! I had a really nice dietician and she was very fair with me. She doesn’t work anymore at ERC
agreed! they totally dismissed my medical issues and i’m way worse.
Does anyone know how many beds are at ERC Chicago? I think they told me 30. Is it all still on one floor?
Are they saying it is 30 beds total, or 30 per unit? 30 beds total would make sense, with half being adolescent and half being adult. When I was there it was 16 beds on the adult unit. The unit was two floors, in a renovated office building in downtown Chicago. The adolescent unit is in a different building a few blocks away, also two floors, and I think was slightly lower census.
30 beds total. All adult, all on one unit. It’s in the building on Huron St.
I know that right now, the census is low and there are only about 10-14 clients.
yes
I am sure that getting a response back this soon is unlikely, but I will try. I may possibly be going to ERC’s residential in Northbrook Tuesday. I have been there once before so I know the how it runs but I do have a few questions that I didn’t get to really ask ahead of time last time. I know that I need to gain some weight, but it is not huge, not like my previous admission. My doctor and dietician from home came up with a set weight that I should reach and then start maintaining. Will ERC follow this? I am scared to gain any extra as last time they forced this on me and led to my relapse. Secondly, I was wondering if there was an option to know my weight as this would help me see as I gradually increase and come to terms with it and also so I know that what they are feeding me is actually not causing me to gain X pounds overnight.
Any information on the binge eating disorder program? How can I contact them being out of the country right now? If they’re out of network with my insurance, do I still have a chance at being able to try out their program?
I will be going to ERC Northbrook for either PHP or Res soon (I am an adolescent btw). Please let me know what to expect!
1) How is the food?
2) What type of meal plan do you follow (exchanges, etc?)
3) Is the therapy helpful for OCD behaviors?
4) How long do people usually stay?
5) I am a competitive runner with a huge future in the sport. Will they allow me to return to running/movement while in PHP?
6) If weight restoration is needed, how are goal weights set. Do they seem reasonable (I have worked with doctors that have pushed for borderline overweight BMIs).
7)Will they send you to Denver if medically unstable? I have a pretty low hr due to being an endurance athlete, but I am at a decent BMI and have perfect labs.
8) How are the staff?
9) How individualized is the treatment really?
From what I know about the adolescent PHP program (based on a female teenager I know who did PHP/IOP there in 2014/2015, so of course some things may have changed):
1) Meals were catered. Snacks were store-bought (so they are the same types of things you would be able to get in “real life”). They are stored in a walk-in pantry on site, which is locked aside from during snack time.
2) The meal plan was based on exchanges.
3) Yes she found it very helpful for that, because they do Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP), which was originally developed as a treatment for OCD (and personally, the only treatment I’ve found to be behaviorally effective long term for OCD, phobia, and panic attack type disorders).
4) I don’t know about Res. But back then at least, as far as PHP, for adolescents it was a shorter stay than for adults. For adults at the Illinois ERC locations, the PHP stay is notoriously long. But then they do a longer stay for adolescents in IOP level after PHP, because the program is designed so that you go after school, and that family can be involved. I know family joined for some meals, and there was a parents group I believe. I think if you step down to IOP and struggle they step you back up to PHP for a couple weeks, but again this is only based on how it was in 2015. If I remember correctly she was in PHP for around 3 weeks and then IOP for around 2 months. If I remember correctly, they tapered down days once you are in IOP. I think she may have stepped back up to IOP from outpatient at some point later before going back to outpatient.
6) I’m not sure how goal weights are set, but the teen I know restored to the lower end of healthy BMI. I know they factored into their decision your age, so they don’t push for upper end of adult BMI range.
7) Once you are already approved/admitted to Res or PHP, I believe being sent to Denver is more based on sustained lack of behavioral or weight restoration progress or if they think you need more containment to stop your behaviors than Res can provide. Because you are an adolescent, if after admitting to Res you needed a higher level of care at some point and it is just for a short term medical stabilization I’m sure they would allow you to either go to AMITA Alexian or Linden Oaks (both in the Chicago suburbs) if you and your parents wished to have you stay in the area rather than be sent across the country.
Again, this is all based on a few years ago, so hopefully someone will have more current info and can answer your other questions!
The food is pretty good for the most part, but snacks were eh. They do it by exchanges, and you’ll either get a, b, c, or c+ snacks. A snacks were things like:
– yogurt (sometimes with graham crackers)
– granola bar
– cereal and milk
– tiny piece of zucchini bread
– crackers and cheese
– apple with pb
– small thing of yogurt pretzels
– bag of chips
– animal crackers
B snacks:
– yogurt and granola
– medium sized bowl of yogurt pretzels
– 4 Oreos and milk
– medium sized bowl of Chex mix
– large slice of zucchini bread
– muffin
– cliff bar with milk
– pro bar
– a lot of crackers and cheese
– bag of chips with juice
– hummus and pita crackers
– candy with juice
C snacks:
– shakes (they had Oreo, strawberry, vanilla or chocolate)
– 2 large slices of zucchini bread with a glass of juice or milk
– 12 oz milk with a lot of granola
– 2 pro bars
– pb Nutella banana wrap with cup of milk
– pb&j with milk
– big ass yogurt parfait
– dirt pudding
C+ snacks:
– shakes, parfaits and dirt pudding but with added Protein powder and oil
– muffin with boost or boost breeze
– large bowl of yogurt pretzels or Chex mix with milk or juice
The therapy is shit in general but they do have exposure groups for ocd. People usually stay 1-6 months. I was there for 2. They might let you return to light movement in php, but you have to “refuel” (Eat after). Weight restoration is insane. They over shoot so you have an “extra cushion”, they wanted me at my highest weight I’ve ever been At. They don’t discharge you until your weight restored (unless ur parents pull you or insurance cuts you). Not reasonable at all. I think if it’s severe medically or mentally, they will prob send you. Staff is awful except for like 2 BHCs. It’s only individualized weight wise
How was the yogurt parfait? Granola? Zucchini bread? What ingredients/brand?Good or bad, big or small, vanilla or flavored?
The yogurt parfait was a giant bowl with yogurt (sometimes oil and powder added), banana or berries, fuck ton of their homemade granola (god knows what’s in that shit) and honey. The granola they used for the lower meal plans was the Quaker one but the higher meal plans got their homemade granola. The zucchini bread was delicious but the slices were extremely large and dense. I think they do vanilla or strawberry yogurt for parfaits, and just vanilla or plain for the other snacks
I was on C+ snacks. Had granola and yogurt, and apples and PB everyday. I got so sick of it.
Do you know what the recipe if for the c snack shakes? They were so good to me I’d like to replicate them haha.
Does anyone know if there is a waitlist for ERC Chicago right now/if so what it is? Thank you.
There isn’t! I called Wednesday and I admit tomorrow! You should add my snap if you want we can talk about it there! ashley_12morgan
Hi! I’m looking into erc, do u mind if I can add and talk about it with you?
Yes of course!!
Hi – I’m considering ERC Chicago for residential … thoughts???
I wrote a long reply and then accidentally hit the back button and lost it. Hah. ADHD for the win. I’ll rewrite it tomorrow, but basically the gist was, ERC Chicago works really well for some people and not as well for others. Either way, it’ll certainly do in a pinch, so it depends. First thing as far as deciding, some questions, that might help sway the decisions. Are you an adult or adolescent? Do you have co-occurring mental health struggles, or trauma, or substance abuse? Do you have family or friends in the Chicago area who could take you on passes? Would you be able to stay and do the PHP w/ housing step down? Do you need a place that will respect your pronouns and gender identity (ERC Chicago in my experience is amazing at that)? If you are an adult, would you prefer a medium sized program (ERC Chicago is like 16 beds I think?) or something smaller. For example Monte Nido Chicago has been getting good reviews lately, and I believe takes a smaller number of patients at a time (maybe 6? I might be remembering wrong though). Note that Monte Nido is outside the city, and ERC Chicago is right in downtown, so you’ll want to think too about what setting you want.
Thank you for replying!! So, I am 44, live in Chicago, mainly struggle with restriction and exercise addiction. I am hoping that since the Chicago is bigger than Monte Nido, there may be a wider variety of people? I realize I’m on the older side 🙂
Do you get outside at all at ERC Chicago? Are the meal plans tailored to the individual or does everyone eat the same thing? Do you have any input at all in terms of how fast you “restore” your weight? Were the people in general nice?
THANK YOU! Hope you are doing well in your recovery!
I admit to to erc on Huron the adult program tomorrow. Can anyone tell me what it’s like? Are they quick to tube there?
How were your first few days at ERC? Meals? Food? Activities? Staff? Therapy? Groups? Patients (nice/mad, young/old)? Medically unstable/stable? NG tube? Rooms? Electronic? Level? Overall(friendy, tense, isolated, encouragingg?)
If food is made by thomas cusine. Cold…. But they let us microwave it. But they accommodate vegetarians. Activities are pretty good especially if they open the art room or do the innings. PHP is better with that though due to the free time you get. Patients – Mixture 18-60’s Staff depends – alot of them left. Therapy is alot of DBT, ACT, ERP, trauma. Groups LGBTQ/ SUBSTANCE ABUSE GROUP/ Nutrition/ Relapse prevention/ DBT/ ACT/ SELF CARE. You have to be medically stable or you get sent to Northwestern across the street. Yes they tube. (72 hours w bedrest) rooms are decent! Sadly they lock them till time to get ready for bed. Electronics week after dinner, Fridays 5pm, Saturday – 1:30-2:30 depends on the therapists. 3 levels. (Foundations, Peer Support, Bistro) People usually only get to peer support. Competitive, Cliquey, not a healing environment for me.
Do you know if they are doing outings again at Chicago? Thanks!
Hi,
I was administratively discharged from a residential due to medical instability and inability to complete the prescribed meal plan and hydration plan. The facility recommended inpatient or a place that can do NG tubes and IV’s.
Does ERC Chicago offer NG tubes and IV hydration (or hydration through an NG tube)?
Are the rooms private?
What is the electronics policy?
What is the visitors policy?
What is the typical length of stay in residential for medical stability?
Have you ever seen someone with a service dog there and do they let them take the service dog outside to the bathroom?
Please let me know!
Thank you.
I will answer what I know of this, but it’s possible some of my info may be dated. Other people should feel free to correct anything. Also this is all pre-Covid:
– They offer NG tubes, but I don’t think they offer IV hydration on site. They are near Northwestern Hospital, so occasionally people with medical issues that needed to be attended to would be sent over there for a few hours, however my guess is that if someone needed regular IV hydration they would say that they couldn’t accommodate that and would send them to inpatient (either ERC Denver, ERC Texas, or the two local ones which are AMITA Alexian Brothers and Linden Oaks). When you have to go to Northwestern for anything (one woman when I was there had jaw issues that she had to get treated for) they also make you go via ambulance even though it is only like three blocks away, which clients tended to find embarrassing lol. They will have a BHC come pick you up though and you’ll take a cab back.
– When I was there, there was one private room. The majority of the rest were two beds, with one that was 3 beds. When there was a patient with higher acuity, they would usually put them in the private room, since it was the room most easily accessible to the nurse’s station. However when there was only one male patient, they would get that room. I did have a room to myself for a few days when the census was low, because I was there for agoraphobia as a Mood/Anxiety (MAP) patient, so they wanted to ease me in. But I ultimately did get a roommate when the census went back up.
– Electronics all evening after dinner, and I think weekends was all day after lunch. You could get them for times outside of that if you needed it for an exposure or if your therapist gave permission. You could also check your phone throughout the day just as long as you stayed near your lockers where it was kept, and you weren’t caught sending any replies. This was pre-Covid, so there may be more access now.
– I don’t know what it’s like with Covid. When I was there, visiting hours were a couple hours on Friday, and then maybe four hours each on Sat/Sun? But you could also have people come to go on meal/snack passes or exposures with you.
– I am not sure about this. The length of stay was much shorter for MAP patients, we only stayed about 30 days.
– YES!! Service dogs were there regularly, and other patients LOVED when someone had a service dog. And yep they can take them outside to the bathroom. I think they want you to do it during the fresh air breaks, which happen about 6 times a day. But if there is an emergency they would let you and the dog go outside as long as there was a staff member that could step out with you.
Have you looked into Melrose Center in Minneapolis? They might fit all of your needs! And they are very medically oriented, because they used to be in a hospital, and are still part of a hospital system even though they have their own campus now. Most likely you wouldn’t get much out of the groups because the intensive residential program is pretty simple, but they could definitely support you in getting to where you need to be in order to return to a residential that would fit your therapeutic needs better!
Melrose doesn’t have intakes until June.
I admit to ERC Huron res on Monday, what’s it like? With outings and such and their policy on tubing how quick are they to tube?
Hey Avery! Will you be in the adult or adolescent program?
I’ll be going to the adult program!
Hey Rachel I’ll be in the adult one!
Bad food, about 20 patients (they’re nice), outings are walks around the block, not quick to tube, size inclusive, roommate, nice staff, boring, dogs allowed
Hi everyone! I’ve been trying to get into treatment for a couple of months now and assessments have determined I need res.
I’m currently 19 years old, in IL and have BBS HMO insurance.
I had decided Selah House was the best fit for me when I initially decided I needed a LOC. I’ve been in communication with them throughout the whole process. Most recently
they were debating between IP and RTC because of some new medical issues that have come up.
Insurance has been an absolute nightmare to deal with and they’re currently saying I’m only allowed IOP or PHP at ERC Chicago.
ERC doesn’t have all the treatment modalities that I need and is a much bigger program than I would like to be in, but I’m considering just doing an assessment with them anyway
since it’s so hard to get anything else approved.
I’m assuming they will recommend res, but unsure if they’ll want me in Chicago or Colorado just given some of the medical complications and my history of them, although I am
technically at a “normal” weight, so I’m really not sure.
I quess here’s what I’m wondering:
– Has anyone been in a similar situation between 2 ERC locations? Did they decide to send you to the CO location or keep you in a residential setting without inpatient
capabilities?
– What are ERC’s general determinants in deciding between IP and RT care?
– Does anyone have a packing list or schedule for ERC Denver or Chicago that they’d be willing to share with me?
– I’ve heard pens aren’t allowed at the Denver location? Is that true?
– If I did have to fly to Denver would ERC arrange the flight? How would all of that work?
– I know ERC Chicago has transitional living apartments for people in PHP, does ERC Denver do that as well?
– What are the electronics policies at ERC right now?
– How does ERC treat people with restrictive eating disorders at normal weights (smaller meal plans, not tubing, etc.)?
– How is ERC at dealing with trauma?
– What are ERC’s COVID policies currently (visitation, passes, outings, etc.)?
– Any tips for dealing with insurance/medical groups?
I know ultimately I will need to call and schedule an assessment with ERC. I’m just dreading having to explain my life story to another stranger over the phone
I appreciate any help or advice you might be willing to offer! Thank you so much<3
* cross-posted by admin from client general forum: https://edtreatmentreview.com/client-general-forum/comment-page-8/#comment-17934
Hi,
I’m admitting here on Monday for res, and I was wondering what their policy is on tubing for people who aren’t underweight. I’ve been struggling to *** and to drink fluids and I’m scared that I won’t “snap out of it ” when I get there. I heard they are quick to tube. However, I’m not underweight. In fact, i’m above a normal BMI. Would this impact if i get a tube?
Also if you have any advice regarding the program,,, please let me know!
Unless things have changed very recently, it’s not based on BMI but based on symptom struggles once you’ve admitted. You can get a tube no matter where you happen to be at the time on the spectrum of body size, so yep you can get one at a BMI above the so-called “normal range.” I’m not sure however what the grace period is before tubing – when they first opened the Chicago location back in 2013 or whenever it was, and for the first few/couple years they didn’t tube at all, but it seems that as the years have gone by they’ve been tubing more and more and I’m not sure where the policy of how soon it happens stands currently.
Hi, I’m trying to find reviews for the ERC Chicago Michigan Avenue Binge Eating Disorder locations. Can you direct me?
same
I almost forgot! Unrelated to tubes, a good piece of advice for ERC Chicago is that it is a program based on self-advocacy. They will expect you to advocate for yourself, to ask for what you need, to ask for passes and say why they will help you, or outings, to ask for privileges and exposures and say why they will help you, to ask to use the quiet space if it will help you, to ask for support if you are having a hard time, to ask for additional time with your music if it will help you, to ask for certain art supplies or whatever to be brought into the common area if you discover they help you during group, and to ask for support in doing any of the above (for example, if you can’t think of an idea for a pass). It’s not a program that will do the work for you, it is a program where they provide you with the resources and you learn to do the work yourself. So go into it knowing that you’re going to get a lot of practice in speaking up for yourself, that way you aren’t surprised. And don’t take it personally if it takes awhile or more effort than you thought to make something happen – use everything as an opportunity to advance your recovery than as a reason to fall back into your ED, so practice the skills you are learning to communicate effectively, to treat yourself kindly, and seek support from the community to build resilience and tolerate distress, and it will be great practice for the real world!
thank you so much Rachel! I appreciate the feedback!
I advocated hard and asked to not be discriminated against on the basis of seizures in September but was still administratively discharged. The team said I could come back if my epileptologist cleared me — but in October I was denied readmission by the team, including my psychiatrist, the nursing director, the unit director, and higher ups. They thought my service dog was a pain/I thought having to educate staff about the ADA and advocate every day was a pain. To hear Huron described as a program of self advocacy when I exhausted myself trying to get help on my own behalf is something else.
I’m truly sorry to hear that. My description is based on my own personal experience, and in response to a very specific question from someone already scheduled to admit in two days who was asking for advice. I think that very specific time-and-situational context of the original question-asker is important when considering your feelings about what I wrote. In addition, just as is the case with any treatment center, different people have different experiences and I’d kindly request for you to restrain from judging or speaking derogatorily to me about mine. You should absolutely share your experience, EVERYONE should. Yet, when doing so it isn’t necessary nor appropriate to make fun of another person’s individual experience. Just as that applies to anybody else on this site, it applies to mine as well. I am a member of this community just like everyone else is. Thanks.
The first day they cut you some slack but after 24 hours if you don’t eat or supp you’re tubed automatically and put on bedrest and wheelchair for 72 hrs
Do not go here. They treated me terribly and fed us raw rice once. I don’t even want to go into the details (my therapist didn’t even pretend to care when I decided to ACA! They put my friend on a contract that said she could be kicked out if she cried for over 5 mins in the hallway.) just don’t go.
Were you in the adolescent or adult program? How many patients were there when you were there? Raw rice… Wow! That would be extremely upsetting. Did they make you eat it? I’m sorry you had to deal with that.
Was there anything you found helpful in the program or was it all unhelpful? I’m also curious if they still do ERP and ACT therapy, and what you thought of it?
Oh my god don’t get me started on their rice. “Work with it” no how about you work on it…… smhhh
COVID Update: Now that the majority of people in Chicago have gotten at least their first dose of vaccine, the city has significantly eased COVID restrictions: movie theaters are back open, restaurants have dine-in, basically everything is open again just with capacity restrictions, with the plan to open things up as fully as possible in the next month (including the return of festival season this summer).
Since the ERC Chicago program revolves significantly around passes (you get 2-3 passes a week), outings (there are a couple a week), exposure therapy, and getting meals out (once a week there is take out, and once a week those who are approved go into the community for a meal, which alternates between fast food, counter service, and sit down service), this should make a big difference!
Good! Do you know that they are doing passes and outings again?
Anyone able to provide a recent update to the Adolescent Residential ERC specifically in Chicago? How big vs home like is it? Is it in a hospital or downtown building or in a home like setting? Strict rules vs compassionate firmness? Length of stay expectations? Family expectations if they are out of state? Currently COVID impact? How well do they watch and prevent behaviors? How do they handle other mental health issues like depression and anxiety? Urgent need as a decision to accept vs try to return to another smaller residential program is imminent. Thank you!
I talked to someone who is there now, and they’re not doing outings yet.
Rachel, could you speak about the teen residential ED program specifically? Most comments here seem to be about the adult programs. Also, if you are in ED, is there treatment for Mood & Anxiety? My daughter is anorexic, but eats all of her food and now at a very healthy weight (BMI ** vs. ** when hospitalized 2 years ago). We did go back to phase 1 FBT when 2 mos ago we found she was cheating the scale by downing water right before weigh- ins. However she has no trouble if we serve and choose her food.
Thanks!
HC
**Numbers removed by Admin
I know somebody whose daughter went to their adolescent ED program, I’ll reach out to them and see if they can share their experience here! I do know they had a good experience. Their daughter also had preexisting mood and anxiety struggles and I believe they found that those were treated well there too.
Anyone have a recent review of ERC Chicago?
My child just checked into this program. [Note that they require patients to eat dairy.]
[This treatment center also believes that “all foods fit,” and is helping my child to not categorize foods as good or bad.]
If you need to go to a residential program, do not check in on a weekend. There seems to be a skeleton crew and nobody can be reached. I feel like this place maximizes profits by checking people in on weekends when they don’t have to pay therapists to help patients. VERY DISAPPOINTING to say the least.
[redacted]
*per admin, some sentences and words have been redacted or removed from this review for inappropriate content and violating site rules. see subsequent comments for discussion.
Just an FYI, to label foods on an eating disorder site as bad or **** is problematic. There is nothing wrong with **** and indeed they are on the menu of many eating disorder facilities. I would suggest your child may struggle as you clearly have disordered ideas about food yourself.
Thank you anon. I was hoping someone would point that out. I wasn’t sure whether to redact that part or not – thoughts?
I thought the same exact thing. All foods are healthy and part of a normal diet in moderation. I would vote being redacted.
I agree the comment could be removed in general. ****. It could just state that the program requires patients to consume dairy and **** rather than making remarks that could be very triggering to some.
Let’s face it: if most of us could just go ahead and eat **** without any issues, I think we’d be much happier overall!
I absolutely agree with all of these. You folks are awesome. It takes a village! I just (very happily) fixed the review. I’ve also now redacted those relevant words from our comments, so that nobody will see any of that part anymore, they will just see how much our community supports each other in our recoveries and advocates against anti-recovery views from caregivers.
Rachel, I actually think (almost) all comments should be left as is. We cannot trigger proof the world and I think it creates more shame and judgment and withholding when we redact/ censor/ water down thoughts and feelings. By the same token, we can express when someone’s comments affect us and what that brings up for us.
Rachel, you are truly an incredible human being. The work you do here benefits so many. I can’t believe how many comments you moderate every day. You don’t get enough thanks for what you do. For all the times it goes unsaid: THANK YOU.
Oh wow. You totally made my day, wait no week — okay let’s be honest, you definitely made my month with this! ?? Thank you so much.
When were you there?
PHP: 7/16/2020 – 9/15/2020. IOP (Virtual): 9/18/2020 – 10/31/2020.
How many patients are there on average?
They don’t seem to have a set limit. I was once told that it was supposed to be capped around 30, which is split into two group rooms of 15 due to the pandemic, but there was one point where we had like 20 or more people in each room. So who knows.
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined?
Yes. Treatment is combined, besides housing.
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?
PHP: Psychiatrist, therapist, and dietician – once a week. Medical doctor – at intake and discharge, and as needed. IOP: You had to have an outpatient dietician, doctor, and psychiatrist. They also encouraged you to have an outpatient therapist while in IOP so that you could work with them during the program. They never asked for a name or date for these people though, so I never had one. This is not good, and while I do not blame ERC for this, the lack of accountability should be noted for those who may need it.
What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
No idea. Probably around 5:1 (5 patients for each staff member). IOP was around 4:1.
What sort of therapies are used (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR, etc.)?
DBT, CBT, ERP (Exposures), Movement, Art (open art – no art therapist), RO-DBT, ACT.
Describe the average day:
What were meals like?
They were fine. Mostly catered, due to the pandemic. Food came from local places in Chicago, so that was pretty nice. Still, they arrived like an hour beforehand, so you always had to heat it up.
What sorts of food were available or served?
Same menu each week. You would get the menus for the week and pick from three options for each meal. Breakfast had toast, yogurt, eggs, omelet, and the likes. Lunch usually had sandwiches, salads, pasta, etc. Dinners were more hot meals.
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
Yes. They used Boost and Boost Breeze, but they also work with other dietary needs and restrictions. You are supplemented for any food not finished, and it is based on what is left.
What is the policy of not complying with meals?
Supplemented for each meal you miss or do not complete. You cannot get any passes if you don’t comply with meals. You will be put on a “treatment contract” if it was a recurring issue. This meant that you had to show some improvements within seven days, or you will be either moved up a level or discharged (this is discussed ahead of time). These contracts seemed to just stress out those that got them, but I never had one so I do not know too much more.
Are you able to eat vegetarian?
Yes vegetarian. No vegan.
What privileges are allowed?
Electronics. Most places do not allow them in Residential and PHP, but ERC lets you have them at both. In Res, you can have it after groups. In PHP, you can keep it on you, just not use it in programming time. I brought my Xbox to the apartment for games and streaming, which was awesome to have.
Does it work on a level system?
Yes. Inpatient (Colorado), Residential, PHP, and IOP.
How do you earn privileges?
Phones were for everyone. You could get passes and all by completing meals, opening up in sessions, and attending groups. Improvements obviously help a lot too.
What sort of groups do they have?
Psychoed, Movement (Yoga) Art (open art time), Relapse Prevention, Body Image, Mindfulness, and Identity Exploration (basically consisted of show-and-tell and narratives).
What was your favorite group?
Art. I always enjoy art.
What did you like the most?
Being in the city. I was able to challenge myself to different foods and applying groups to everyday life. You interact with so many people in a big city like that, as you are in downtown, and it makes for a lot of practice.
What did you like the least?
Bear with me: I felt censored while in groups. They did not want to trigger other patients, and so they told patients to not talk about certain things. I understand if they want trigger warnings or do not want people mentioning weight and numbers, but I felt that I could not even speak generally about my traumas or issues, which tend to be at the root of my eating issues too, without feeling shamed or silenced by staff or other patients. I do not want to trigger others either, but I also felt like I couldn’t say anything. I had feelings to work through, and I felt I could not even do that in individual sessions. I kept being told over the phone intake that they not only were trauma-informed, but also treat trauma; yet when I tried to talk to my therapist t about trauma individually, I was told, “we do not want to open any flood gates we can’t shut before you leave! Just save it for your outpatient therapist. I thought it made sense, but the trauma and eating issues are so intertwined, all I got were these skills and trauma that was dug further down into my soul. It still does hurt in that sense.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Depends on the patient. I did not have exercise restrictions. Some people did. They could not take several flights of stairs or walk more than 30 mins a day alone. This was not really checked on though – just on the honors system. Therefore, one patient frequently came back to the apartments, completely soaked and red in the face because she was out for two hours, jogging to the lake, jumping in (meanwhile, the lake is closed due to COVID), and jogging back every evening. Not safe in my opinion.
What did people do on weekends?
Programming from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. Sometimes people went out in Chicago after or went shopping. We usually watched Netflix or hung out at someone’s apartment.
Do you get to know your weight?
No, never.
How fast is the weight gain process?
Not sure – did not have major weight gain.
What was the average length of stay?
I have no idea honestly. I would say like 3 months. I was there for two months in-person, one month virtual. Another was there between levels for about 11 months by the time I discharged.
What was the average age range?
Younger adults. They accept 18+, but most were between 18-25. I felt that majority were 18-20 especially, making the population generally very young. There were a few outliers as well.
How do visits/phone calls work?
You are allowed your phone. You can technically call whenever – just know that if you miss a group, it counts as absent from a group.
What is the electronics policy (e.g., cell phones, iPods, Kindles, laptops, tablets)?
Anything. Just don’t use it during groups. I had my phone on my person every day
Are you able to go out on passes?
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an outpatient treatment team?
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country?
Unsure. I am from Illinois. I know they mentioned concierge services for out of state patients. PHP does have apartments for the program. The Huron location, which I was at, was attached to a hotel. People from out of state usually stayed there the night before.
If applicable: Do they support the gender identities of transgender and nonbinary people?
Yes! They also offer LGBTQ+ process groups.
Would you recommend this program?
Maybe. I would say it is okay for eating disorders in general. For mood, which is what I originally called for, I feel it was not good. They say they do the same groups at their mood and anxiety programs, but every group at ERC was centered around eating disorders. It makes me wonder what groups in the mood program were like. So if you were trying to apply it to your OCD or trauma, for instance, it may be tougher. If you are mainly struggling with eating, it may not be a bad fit. Also, the older you are, the harder you may find it to fit in. Luckily, it isn’t a super small program either, but still, many people and the mentality of the program seems to be younger.
Other?
It seems the higher the level of care, the better the programming in. They seem to fall short in the outpatient programs especially, toward moving to aftercare. Nobody helped me to find a therapist or psychiatrist, and it was difficult to find anyone to help because I had never even met or video called with the person helping me with setting up aftercare. I gave up and left with no appointments setup. I think this is important to know because if you are like me, you need more accountability and help with aftercare. That is where I notoriously fall off (between PHP and IOP), and the programs teachings were difficult to take with me when I just suddenly stopped with no practice set up.
November/December 2020
Hi guys I thought I would review ERC Chicago (adult program res and php) based on my 5 weeks of experience (first treatment experience) in case its helpful for anyone.
Context: I’ve been severely bulimic since I was about 10, I am now 20. I went after my mental health was rapidly deteriorating and I was motivated to get better so I could be a better partner/human. I also suffer comorbid bipolar I with psychotic features, struggles with self harm, PTSD and chronic Suicidal Ideation.
Intake: I did an online intake because of COVID and was recommended residential (although I was hoping for PHP). The lady was super nice and I explained I wanted to continue online University courses during treatment and she said they would absolutely accommodate me. I also expressed my concerns for disability accommodations and my fears about interacting with male staff members [I was petrified based on past trauma and some shit I read about sexual assault happening at McCallum Place on edtreatmentreviews]. I also stated that I wanted to transition to PHP as fast as possible so I could get as much realistic practice and help as possible in my month long commitment to treatment. She seemed super receptive to all my concerns (which were largely not addressed once I got there).
Residential:
PROS*
-TECHNOLOGY: this was one of the main reasons I picked this program, on weeknights you get your phone and laptop and whatever else you bring in the after dinner until lights out, and then from 3 to lights out (10 pm) on the weekends. Saved my damn life. Also if you clear it with your therapist, you can get passes to use technology during daily programming to do schoolwork if you’re enrolled!
-super nice staff (for the most part) the clinical directors were b*tches but the BHCs (who you interact with the most) were very kind although they were sometimes overworked and weren’t able to provide adequate support and help to no fault of their own
-facilities- everything was clean and they had a nice art room, in a great location in Chicago, good views from the day rooms [its not super homey, but not super hospital/institution like either, not one of those super fancy treatment centers but was adequate]
-LGBTQ+ friendly: there was significant effort to create an inclusive space, lots of non-gender conforming, trans, gay and bi folk. they even offer a ‘queer process’ group run by a lovely program therapist who is knowledgeable about working w/ LGBTQ+ people. Everyone always states their pronouns in each group and one person actually went through the process of coming out as non binary during their treatment at res. also gender neutral bathrooms are always available (in PHP too)
-Nursing: Nurses are pretty much always available and they’re all pretty nice- giving out ice packs, heat packs, Tylenol, nap passes, meds, sour candy to help with swollen salivary glands, pretty much whatever you need to get through the day
-Accommodating to vegetarians- there is always a vegetarian option and sometimes multiple for every meal and snack, you get to choose from a list of options for your meals on a weekly basis (within the constraints of your dietitians guidelines) it was nice to have some choice in that matter
-Recovery focused: this one is debatable, but I found most people there to have a genuine desire to get better and people were pretty good about not talking about triggering sh*t and calling people out who did. I have made some great friends that continually support each other on our respective journeys
-COVID precautions: while all the protection measures were super annoying, they were good at enforcing masks and face shields, hand sanitizer usage and use partitions in the dining room, they also are fully transparent about their protocol and provide a space to address people’s concerns, only thing that sucks is no visitors, but its all for health and safety so if you’re nervous about COVID, ERC Chicago has a pretty good handle on it.
– therapists and programming: my therapist was okay but a lot of people there really loved their therapists and felt very comfortable and supported. There is a huge focus on DBT, but I learned a lot of valuable skills and there is a decent variety in the types of therapy used. RO-DBT sessions are helpful for people who are over-controlled in their emotional/ behavioral management, ERP is great for people with phobias and want to practice being in real life situations, process group is great for just dealing with sh*t and helping out your peers, there were some good presentations on diet culture and body image in the media
-Addictions and Compulsive Behaviors: the lady who runs the ARCH program track (which is optional or required based on whether or not you struggle with addiction/compulsive behaviors) is absolutely phenomenal. She is super knowledgeable and helpful and kind and I know that a lot of people felt very supported in helping their substance abuse problems. I had a great experience and ARCH groups were some of my favorite sessions and I learned a lot.
-NICOTINE: they allow 3-4 daily smoke/vaping breaks where everyone can go outside. I was also able to sneak my vape and pretty much always had that sh*t on me and didn’t get caught until the last day lol.
-activities: they have yoga and cute group therapeutic activities like planting plants, collaging, little art projects, movie days, etc which were actually fun and stress relieving, learned a lot of helpful coping mechanisms and a lot of people got into knitting, art, bracelet making, using putty and fidgets, etc.
-you’re allowed to have one cup of coffee with breakfast per day 🙂
-trauma informed staff and rules and stuff
CONS
-disorganized: you had to figure out a lot of shit on your own (how the daily programming works, what the rules are, how to ask for passes, how to meet your goals, etc) definitely difficult if its your first go around with treatment but I figured it out in about a week. huge emphasis on self-advocacy here.
-really sh*tty mishaps: I knew two people whose therapists took leaves of absence and they both went almost two weeks without having a therapist, they eventually got it sorted out and both people still stuck with the program but this was really sh*tty for them and a huge oversight on ERCs part
-I had to advocate for myself A LOT. I was misled that they would immediately read and accommodate all my concerns upon arrival. For the first two weeks I didn’t get any time to work on schoolwork because no one told me I had to ask for a pass and my team just tried to persuade me to drop out and focus on treatment after I’d already asked the program if I could continue school during treatment. I need medical supplies every time I use the bathroom and getting it was a major pain in the ass, dealing with the stress of recovery and trying to have my basic needs met constantly was annoying af. I was worried about being alone male staff members and them being in charge of bathroom supervision, they assured me this would not happen, it did. Luckily I dealt with a lot of my trauma responses and all the male staff members were kind and helpful and not that scary. but still, they straight up lied to me about a lot of stuff during my intake.
-stupid rules: this pretty much goes for every treatment center but stupid rules like dress code (that was occasionally enforced), not being allowed to have pencils and erasers, crystals, sound machines and other items seemed pointless and were annoying
-superficial therapy: I felt like my therapist didn’t really help me that much on a deep level even though I opened up a lot and we had a lot of sessions, its pretty common for therapists to be overworked there but it really depends on who you get and how hard you work to actually get better, wasn’t the worst but certainly wasn’t the best
-food: some of the food was gross, some was okay, after being there for 2 weeks the meals get repetitive which is less than preferable, but it wasn’t horrible- could use some more variety, but you can still do meal passes where you order takeout from approved restaurants
-people getting away with sh*t: there were definitely a few people who would sometimes get away with behaviors at the table or using symptoms or talking about “redirect-able topics” without being redirected by staff so that was sh*tty for their recovery and everyone elses
-tube-feeding: they are quick to tube feed here if you aren’t meeting your meal plan, I knew like 4 people that got tubed during my 5 weeks in the program, kinda scary, kinda triggering
-overkill with lab work: when you first arrive you have to get lab work pretty much every day for a while and then ofc daily weights and blood pressure- all of my stuff came back normal, or quickly normalized but I still had to constantly get poked and I have a history with feeling like my life is run by medical sh*t so this was not helpful and annoying, but I guess its good that they monitor your health attentively, could be a pro for some people.
-people stay for so long-I was being really good during res. and they never moved my discharge date up even though they said I could move down to PHP faster given my situation during intake. a lot of people were there a lot longer than they expected to be. unless your insurance cuts out or you leave AMA (which you can do by signing a 72 hour notice and dropping out at any time)- be prepared to stay for a long ass time (like I’d say 8 weeks in res is more standard than the 4-6 weeks they say)
PHP
A lot of similarities to res, its in the same building on a different floor, they offer supported living apartments with other people in the program which are SUPER NICE and they are super good about waiving the fee if you can’t afford the $50 a night (most people including me didn’t have to pay that)
PROS
-real life practice: you have to feed yourself 1-2 meals and snacks per day so whether you grocery shop or go out to eat with peers, its good practice for reentering the real world although it can be pretty overwhelming. If you get lucky (like I did) you’ll have a good roommate/ know people from res and y’all can all support each other
-free timeeee: walking around the city and doing whatever you want after programming ends (after dinner) was lovely, everything is in such a good location it was very restorative and even fun!
-Same groups and meal times and planning as res, pretty much the same staff
– A LOT more freedom, if you skip a group no one can really punish you, a lot of ppl would just go on walks and sh*t or sit in the hallway and have mental breakdowns/ play on their laptops and phones- you still will get supplemented and shit if you skip meals tho- but no flush checks or anything thank the sweet lord those were so annoying and embarrassing
-you get to keep your same team (psychiatrist+therapist+dietitian+doctor) from res if you’re stepping down which is really nice
-the apartments are soooooo nice if you end up staying in them its one of the nicest places I’ve lived
CONS
– a lot less support- if your insurance cuts you from res and you get transferred its kinda shocking the change in the level of care, you’re on your own a lot so it can be pretty scary
-a lot more people- the groups were pretty big which was kinda annoying but still lots of cool people
-they wanted to keep me there for so long I ended up leaving AMA because I only wanted to stay for a month and I really needed to get home and I felt like I was doing super well, they were not in agreement and provided me minimal support for my transition home- if you leave AMA you’re pretty much on your own
Did it work for me?
I learned A LOT and abstained from behaviors the whole time I was there. I backslid when I got home but I definitely reduced my symptom use by like 10-fold and learned a lot about myself, met some lovely people and am still trying to recover and have a better idea of how to do so. Overall, I still have a lot of urges and slip-ups but ERC helped me a lot. Treatment is honestly what you make it so ERC Chicago is a decent program, its got some flaws but I think its one of the better programs.
Thanks for your review. I may have missed it, but how many beds per room?
In res, most rooms have 2 beds, but there is also a bigger room with 3 beds and a smaller room with 1 bed. Each person also gets a big wardrobe, nightstand, bulletin board, etc. You also have a locker with lock in the common area to hold things you want easy access to during the day (notebooks, pens, phone, books, fidgets, wallet sometimes, etc!).
In the transitional living apartments, last I know there was usually 4 beds per bedroom in each apartment, plus shared living room/dining room/kitchen/etc. The apartments are in a big luxury apartment building in downtown Chicago apartment building right by Millenium Park, so space is more limited, but ERC wants to make sure everyone who needs to can live there. Not sure if this is still the case, but there was a pool on the top floor!
Thanks! So you’re allowed to have pens/pencils, folders, envelopes? I remember in Denver you couldn’t. Can you carry a bag?
Oh wow I didn’t know that! Yep you can absolutely have those things at the Chicago location. Lots of people will order fun colorful pens and stuff on Amazon too once they get there, for journaling, writing therapy assignments, doodling on therapy assignments (lol), coloring, leaving encouraging notes around, or whatever! I believe some of those things though you can’t take back with you to your room at night, because they can’t keep an eye on everyone. No bags though on the unit, but you don’t need one because the lockers are right there in the milieu, and you have access to them whenever. Do make sure you have at least one backpack/purse/tote bag to bring with you on pass or outings.
For people who smoke cigarettes or vape, you’ll keep that in your locker as well, so it’s right there to grab for fresh air breaks. You can’t have lighters of course, so staff grabs a lighter from behind the nurses station before every fresh air break to bring outside, and before anybody can go back up to the unit they make sure all lighters are accounted for and back in staff possession.
If there is something that you are allowed to have but that you are struggling with, they are more likely to first challenge you to address that during your exposure therapy or process group and/or ask you advocate for yourself to have the item taken away from you, than to just confiscate it.
You can have things like tweezers, hair dryers, etc too, but they will keep those behind the nurses’ station in your sharps bin and you can check them out during hygiene time when you are getting ready in the morning or before bed, and there is a staff member who will be assigned to sit in the communal bathroom for the duration of hygiene time and monitor everything.
You can’t have on the unit any kind of food or drink (including things like gum/mints/vitamins), not even in your sharps. When you go on your passes (and sometimes as your individual exposures during ERP group, or during individual exposures with your therapist), you can get yourself them though, you just can’t bring any of it back with you into the unit. By the way, I HIGHLY recommend getting food/drinks during passes, because in the real world you will be having snacks or meals out of the house by yourself. Practice these things as much as possible before leaving, because then you can troubleshoot any struggles afterwards back on the unit. ERC Chicago is great for real world practice, especially with all the exposure work and with being in the middle of a big city with everything available to you that you might like to challenge yourself to do. Note though that they won’t do the work for you, they want you to practice advocating for yourself – that’s what real life is like. If that is something you want to do, take charge in your recovery, ask for those needs to be met by telling your treatment team it is something that is important to you, and they will make sure you get to start doing it a couple weeks into being there and titrate from easier to more challenging opportunities as you progress (rather than waiting until closer to discharge) and that you have the professional support to get you there!
This goes for everything at ERC Chicago. Don’t wait for something to be proposed to you, and always advocate for you no matter how hard it is. You want to give yourself the best chance for a smooth transition back into the real world from the treatment bubble – treatment is time limited, so don’t wait for recovery to happen to you or for treatment to do everything for you, get everything out of it you can! Yes, it is harder than letting the professionals do the work for you, or being complacent until discharge, or letting a negative response from a staff member make your recovery regress or stall, or letting other patients’ struggles trigger you to keep struggling too and not focus just on your own recovery. But it’s YOUR treatment and your recovery, and once you discharge none of those concerns will matter anymore, all that will leave with you into the real world is you, just like you arrived.
Wow this comment ended up being way longer than I thought it would! Whoops. Hope it was helpful though!
Thanks for so much info! The thing is, there are no passes/outings since Covid. I kind of feel like it kind of takes away the whole idea that the program is known for., you know.?
Definitely. You may be in luck though – I would recommend giving them a call sometime this week to ask about updated protocol (call the Chicago location directly, not the main admissions line), because ERC Chicago will be changing their protocol regarding passes/outings/outside activities VERY soon. All of their protocol for on the unit I can’t speak to (social distancing, mask requirements on the unit, visiting restrictions), but their protocol for off the unit has always been based on whatever the current rules in Chicago are. So, for like a year there were no outings because everything in Chicago was closed. Now Chicago (in line with much of the country) is rapidly re-opening due to the fact that the majority of people in Chicago are vaccinated. Already dine-in has returned in full force, movie theaters are open, stores open, events open, even festivals like Lollapalloza are returning. And with the latest update in policy from the CDC about masks, things will only get looser from here.
Bizarrely, perhaps the horrible wait lists across the country will work out at least in some manner in some people’s favor, because by the time they admit, there will be outings and passes again!
Well I tried call the number for Chicago, but you can’t get hold of a clinician/staff actually there :/
Usually treatment center clinicians won’t be available at a given moment, but they are still down to talk to prospective clients. Tell the front desk you would like to be connected you to the voicemail of a program manager, so that you can leave a confidential voicemail for them on it. That’s usually the trick at treatment centers. 🙂 Then the person or one of their colleagues will call you back when they have a break.
Okay I’ll try! Random, but do you know if you can get cert’d there?
Not in illinois but they’ll send you to denver so they can do it there
how did you sneak in your vape lol, also do you have to have a roommate? and how do day passes work- I have overnight weekend plans with my bf but ill be in treatment now so I think I have to cancel them 🙁